FRANCINE SHARES
I dedicate this article to my fearless and fabulous friend, the late Sharon Harris, former CEO and President of Lupus Detroit, who passed away in February 2026. Sharon would have been only 47 years old. I could not write an article about Lupus Awareness without honoring her memory and recognizing her impact on the lives of so many people.
Several years ago, I attended a Lupus Awareness Day event at a Detroit high school with Sharon, my older sister, and several lupus warriors. Together, we answered questions from teenagers and shared our experiences to educate them about lupus. Sharon had a passion for advocacy and awareness. She worked tirelessly to ensure that people understood the realities of living with this often misunderstood disease. Her strength, compassion, and dedication continue to inspire me.
A Tribute to Sharon Harris
and Lupus Awareness
Article by Francine Houston
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. Because lupus can affect virtually any area of the body, it is often called “the disease of a thousand faces.” Symptoms vary widely from person to person and can range from mild to life-threatening. There are four primary types of lupus:
• Discoid Cutaneous Lupus – primarily affects the skin and can cause chronic rashes and scarring.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – the most common and serious form, affecting multiple organs and body systems.
• Drug-Induced Lupus – triggered by certain medications and often improves after the medication is discontinued.