The Wolf and the Butterfly Talk Highlights Success and Raises Awareness for Lupus

SANDAKAN: Recognising the importance of awareness and early recognition of the disease of a thousand faces, namely Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Persatuan SLE Malaysia, Sabah Chapter

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successfully organised a Lupus Awareness Talk themed “Know Lupus” for 768 students of SMK Konven St. Cecilia held at the school’s hall, near here recently.

SLE, commonly known as Lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that predominantly affects young people, including those in their teenage years. In Malaysia, it is estimated that 43 in every 100,000 people suffer from this disease, with the youngest recorded patient being only four years old.

The event featured an insightful talk, “The Wolf and the Butterfly,” by Dr. Anna Farazilah Mohd Salleh, a rheumatologist, who covered essential topics such as the symptoms, impact, and

management of SLE.

This talk was designed to educate attendees about Lupus and support those

affected by the condition.

Notable highlights included the special symbolic gesture of opening

umbrellas, marking the emphasis on photosensitivity—a common symptom where SLE patients

must avoid direct sunlight.

The response from the audience was overwhelmingly positive. Students showed great interest in the topics discussed, asked insightful questions, and expressed a deeper understanding of the

challenges faced by individuals with SLE. Their engagement demonstrated the success of the event in raising awareness and fostering empathy within the student community.

Madam Suzanna Hon, the spokesperson of the organisation, stated that the talk was organised in conjunction with the Sabah Lupus Awareness Programme 2024, themed “Know Lupus,” and

“Spread Lupus Awareness.”.

The objective is a comprehensive initiative aimed at educating the

public, increasing awareness and understanding of Lupus within the community, dispelling myths

surrounding the disease, and fostering support for those affected by it. It empowers individuals with knowledge about Lupus and rallies public support for Lupus Warriors, those bravely living with

Lupus.

The event was a tremendous success in light of the invaluable support contributed by the principal, Mr. Chung Su Kiong, Senior Officer of Co-curriculum, Madam Yau Kim Chu, and the other

administrative staff of SMK Konven St. Cecilia.

Persatuan SLE Malaysia, a non-profit, charitable organisation, was formed in 1994 to provide social and psychological support for people suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Under its umbrella, a Sandakan Chapter was launched in October 2004, which has been co-opted into Persatuan SLE Malaysia’s Sabah Chapter in May 2013. To date, there are about 890 members.

in Sabah, including patients and non-patients distributed across Sabah’s West Coast, Interior, Pitas,

Sandakan, Tawau, Lawas, and FT Labuan. The number of sufferers is expected to grow as more cases are diagnosed or misdiagnosed.

For more information about Lupus and ways to get involved, please contact 012-8133338, visit http://www.lupusmalaysia.org, or follow us on Facebook at Persatuan SLE Malaysia Sabah Chapter.

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