Our Color's Purple Program

 

We know that getting a chronic, no cure, diagnosis can be a traumatic experience.  According to the Lupus Foundation of America it takes an average of three years to get a correct diagnosis.  After many experts, tests, pain and fear to eventually get such a diagnosis can be both a relief, to know what is wrong, and a curse because the diagnosis, in itself, is frightening.

 

Our Color's Purple has adopted, as our support structure form, the world-renown, Dr. Kübler-Ross' stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  Lupus patients have many things to grieve and therefore, like Dr. Kübler-Ross has shown in her many years of study, one does not simply go through the stages and is done, but rather it is a process, not necessarily linear.  We will guide and assist each member to and through acceptance, as many times as needed.

 

Although our loved ones can generally understand the nature of Lupus, only the Lupus patient can truly know what it is to live with it.  Lupus patients are members of a group of like-experienced people.   Membership is not something chosen, but together we can choose to live our best lives, regardless.  And together we can figure out how best to do it.

 

 

What we know about the nature of Lupus is that no patient follows a script for disease progression.  At Our Color's Purple we also know that some of us have similar symptoms or problems and can help others through our experiences.  By sharing, talking, listening, and learning together we will live successful happier lives

 

It is helpful to have someone to talk to who knows what it is to live with Lupus.  Given the diagnosis of a chronic disease, especially for which not much is known, can be frightening.  Lupie Pals is our way of lending a hand to make life a little easier.  It can be a great relief to talk with someone who has been where you are.  We know mental relief can be beneficial to aid in lowering stress.  It is in this vein that Lupie Pals was created.

 

We at Our Color's Purple are well aware that some days Lupus patients are unable to physically make it out to a group meeting.  We also offer on-line meetings.  If you do not have a computer or access to the internet we will work to get you connected. 

 

Our goal is to have no one go through the experience called Lupus alone.