We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janay Townes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janay below.

Alright, Janay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The story behind LupiesUnite Inc mission is, back when I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2004 there wasn’t a lot of information about it. As time went on and the years went by, I thought that there would be more information about Lupus as time went on but still not that much information. In 2019 I took it upon myself to start LupiesUnite Inc because of the lack of information and education about lupus and all that it comes. Lupus is too serious of an illness to not talk about and have discussions.

Janay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Janay Townes and I am the founder/CEO of LupiesUnite Inc. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and later moved to Carney’s Point, NJ when I was fourteen years old. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus kidney nephritis stage four in 2004, I was only fifteen years old. Not knowing that lupus causes a lot of underline illnesses, throughout the years I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Asthma, Anemia, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Fibromyalgia, Depression/Anxiety, High Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea, Severe Insomnia, Raynaud’s Syndrome, and severe Migraines. I’ve had numerous of surgeries and procedures such as Bilateral Hip Core Decompression, Left Hip Replacement, Right Shoulder Replacement, Gallbladder removed, Appendix removed, several Colonoscopies/Endoscopies, removal of Cancer Cells, and soon I will have my Right Hip Replaced.

I have been on every lupus medication/ treatments that exist including multiple rounds of chemo therapy, blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, plasmapheresis, losing all of her teeth, and being in full menopause by the age of thirty. With all that I have going on and with the many illnesses I deal with, I have remained a humble lupus warrior and I’m still standing despite what I’ve been through. I still have my good and bad days but no matter what I wake up every morning ready to defeat lupus and whatever else may come in my way. Having lupus is a 365 days 24/7 job, NO days off without pay. I started LupiesUnite so people with lupus can have a voice and be heard. Many people are still ignorant towards lupus and if only they knew what people with lupus go through on daily, then people will understand why lupus survivors are so vocal about Lupus Awareness. I may have lupus, but lupus does not have me. Lupus will not bring me down no matter how many times I may fall I will get right back up and continue to fight, spread awareness, and educate the world about lupus.

LupiesUnite was established in 2019 due to the lack of awareness for Lupus and other auto immune illnesses. Lupus does not get the awareness or recognition that it deserves in the medical community and in the world. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, 1.5 million Americans are living with some form of lupus and 5 million people are living with it worldwide. Lupus affects 90% of women and is 2 to 3 times more prevalent in ethic communities and only 10% of men are diagnosed with Lupus. LupiesUnite mission is to educate and spread awareness about Lupus and other underline autoimmune illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, and Rheumatoid Arthritis . We offer many programs and services to give you the knowledge you need to know about any and everything lupus related; patient testimonials, mentor services for lupus patients and their loved ones and much more.

We accept donations of all kind to help Lupus patients in need of help with medication assistance, lupies in need of clothing/shoes, lupie parents in need of help with school supplies, etc. LupiesUnite wants the world to know the severity and seriousness about Lupus and the damage it can cause. We also want to show the world despite having lupus, you can still live a fulfilled life and accomplish your dreams and goals. Lupus is not the death sentence it used to be; as long as you follow up with your doctors, figure out a plan that works for you rather if that is taking prescription medications or going the holistic route, you can live a long fulfilled life. Just like the world knows about Cancer, Diabetes, and Aids, we need the world to know about Lupus and that is what LupiesUnite is here to do. Our number one goal is to put lupus on the map and give lupus the recognition it deserves, especially in the medical community. LUPUS IS REAL, LUPUS IS SERIOUS, WE NEED A CURE!!!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media was tricky at first because I was embarrassed to talk about my lupus journey. It took me a good ten years to accept having lupus and sharing my story. It wasn’t until around 2011- 2012 one night I couldn’t sleep do to insomnia, I remember being on Instagram scrolling and I typed in Lupus in the search bar and all of these accounts came up. That was the moment I realized my calling and the next day started sharing my story. I built my audience by being my authentic self and not caring what others may have to say. The advice I will give someone that wants to build a following on social media is, be your authentic self and don’t let anyone discourage you from sharing your testimony. Always keep in mind that by you sharing your story, you are helping someone in there journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn is, everyone isn’t going to understand what you go through. There will be people who understands and get you then there will be people who don’t care at all and that is okay. Lupus is an invisible illness and majority of the time people with lupus don’t look sick but if they knew. Never judge a book by the cover; this is something I try my hardest to live by.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LupiesUnite.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/lupiesunite
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LupiesUnite

Image Credits
Kyhawnia Pinckney Myself Janay Townes