Nearly a year has passed since Halee was diagnosed with Lupus SLE.  While it has been a wild journey, our life is beginning to settle into what living with Lupus is going to be for Halee.  Lots of meds, continual lab testing and she just experienced her first flair and as Halee says "these are just the things I am going to have to deal with". 

 We want to share a few stories, people and things that they have done that have really touched our hearts during this first year with Lupus.

Anna Lauenstein, a fourth grade student at Justen's school had a lemonade stand, they earned $18.62 and sent it in honor of Halee to the Lupus Foundation of Wisconsin (insert chills here).

Tammi Siegert, owner of Stuio 700 (California) and a very good friend of my sisters, is selling paper butterfiles and has decorated her salon from ceiling to flloor.  Tammi is donating 1/2 of the proceeds to Lupus WI and the other half to the Amercan Cancer Society.  So far they have sold 2500 butterflies.  I'm hoping to pick up some local businesses that would be willing to sell butterfiles for us so if you know anyone that is interested, please let me know.

My sister has been my personal strength and mentor, through her numerous fund raising activties for breast cancer she and her group "Divas for the Cure" I have learned so much and hope to use these ideas to raise money and, as importantly, awareness of this potentailly devasting disease.

We have so many stories to share but I think I will stop here.  It amazes us that despite the current economny so many people are still so generous with their time and money.

Last year we raised nearly $5000 for Lupus, we would like to top that this year, but our bigger goal is to have 100 people join us for the Strides for Lupus Walk in June.  I have created a team "Halee" so if you are able to join us for the walk, please be sure to indicate that you would like to walk on Halee's team. 

Lastly, we would like to send our very sincere thank you to Dr Olson, Jan and Sarah at Children's Hospital-you have been wonderful throughout this entire ordeal.  Jan, thanks for being the shoulder for my tears, the strength and humor that we all needed at the time.  It is not everyday when you are asked to place your child's life in the hands of someone, we are so thankful that you were there for us!

With fondest thanks for all of you support,

The Newbys.