Lupus Foundation and Lupus Warriors of Fiji host Fundraising Christmas Market Day to raise essential funds and awareness for Lupus patients across the country

The Lupus Foundation of Fiji and the Lupus Warriors of Fiji marked a historic milestone today as they hosted their first-ever Fundraising Christmas Market Day, an event dedicated to raising essential funds and awareness for Lupus patients across the country.

The initiative was led by Patient Coordinator and Board Member of the Lupus Foundation, Rani Hassan who opened the event with a heartfelt introduction and emphasised the urgent need for expanded support systems for individuals living with the chronic autoimmune disease.

Funds raised from the Market Day will go directly toward the monthly patient meet-up, mental health and diet awareness programs, social support gatherings, home-based and clinical counselling services, continued collaboration with the Fiji National Kidney Centre, and the production of patient care items such as headwear for hair loss.

The Foundation aims to strengthen its reach and help patients receive the emotional and medical support they urgently need.

Hassan highlights that Lupus is a chronic autoimmune illness that mimics many other diseases, often leading to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.

While Lupus is incurable, it can be managed with proper treatment and consistent medical care.

Hassan stressed that Lupus affects families just as much as it affects patients.

She urged families to adjust their routines around their loved ones’ health needs and to recognise the unpredictable nature of the disease.

Hassan’s passion for advocacy stems from her own journey with Lupus, including misdiagnosis and severe complications.

She says her experience inspired her to create a support network that now includes a daily Messenger hotline, patient community groups, and small meetups that provide emotional and mental support for those navigating life with Lupus.

Jeanette Yam, a supporter and long-time friend of Rani — a Lupus patient and strong advocate for greater awareness — says she has witnessed Rani’s struggles first-hand and felt compelled to help.

She says Lupus remains largely unknown in Fiji despite the challenges faced by patients.

She further says the idea for the fundraiser began during an afternoon tea with a group of women from Yet San School, where their children once attended.

Yam and the group decided to set up a small fundraising table to support the Lupus Foundation and help provide assistance for patients, often referred to as Lupus warriors, who struggle to obtain medication.

Yam, who travels frequently to Australia, brought items to sell, while the women’s group contributed baked goods and other items for the fundraising table.

She says supporting charitable causes has always been important to her, and learning about Lupus through her friend motivated her even more.

Many people in Fiji still don’t know what Lupus is, she says, adding that awareness remains low and public understanding is urgently needed.

Yam urges the public to stay informed about illnesses and support awareness efforts, noting that such conditions can affect anyone.

She hopes the initiative will inspire more support and help expand understanding of Lupus across the country.