The Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter Gala will honor Ms. Cheryl Yetz on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston.
The gala will honor all Lupus Warriors, including Ms. Yetz of Missouri City, who has suffered from the disease for nearly 20 years. Despite her diagnosis, Cheryl has become a fierce advocate for the Lupus Foundation, raising more than $100,000 for research advancements and awareness of lupus.
“One thing I’ve learned is that people are quick to minimize a disease when they don’t understand it,” said Yetz. “I don’t think there is enough education and awareness around autoimmune diseases like lupus, which is why I’m so passionate about fundraising and increasing the public’s knowledge about the disease. It’s invisible to so many people. So, I’m doing everything I can to lift the curtain and increase awareness of what individuals afflicted with lupus go through.”
Also, in attendance at the gala will be Kennetra “Kiki” Searcy, Miss Black USA 2017, who also is a Lupus Warrior. Kiki almost died twice during childbirth as a result of the disease.
The gala will gather supporters and Lupus Warriors to raise awareness and funds for lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million people, disproportionately impacting those in the Brown and Black communities.
The Lupus Foundation of America –Texas Gulf Coast Chapter is part of a national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. With help and support from informed volunteers, lupus medical experts, patients, and supporters, the Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter strives to support research and education programs so everyone affected by lupus can have an improved quality of life; provide information to ensure people with lupus and their families have access to answers, and health professionals are knowledgeable in diagnosing and managing the disease; and support community outreach to increase awareness of lupus and its impact, improve public support of those affected by lupus, and advocate on their behalf.
For more information about the gala and to learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, visit www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast.
