The Lupus Foundation of Northern California was founded as the Bay Area Lupus Foundation in 1978 by Jo Dewhirst.  This coming year will be our 46th year of serving lupus patients in Northern California. Our mission is to serve an ethnically and economically diverse population and to provide the widest possible access to services to lupus patients. 

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California offers programs designed to meet both social/support and educational needs of patients and their families in English and Spanish.  Focused on those living with lupus as well as on research and advocacy to find a cure, we are proud to be the voice of the Northern California lupus community of patients, families, friends and caregivers. In 2023 we will have provided 8 free, virtual Lupus Health Conferences, including an amazing Spanish Language conference.  

In order to help fund our free patient Support and Education programs, we will host our 9th annual Purple Ribbon Awards on March 14, 2024.  This event is a celebration of lupus patients, doctors, volunteers and others who help us with our mission.  During the evening we focus on lupus patients and their journey, to help raise awareness about this chronic disease.