Raising funds for Lupus research

Valley Stream resident Christine Miserandino and her family will be celebrating her 37th birthday this year in an unusual way. Instead of presenting Miserandino with gifts, the family will be hosting an “unbirthday party” to raise money for lupus research.

Called the Purple Party, the event will begin at 6:30 on Sept. 7 at Pompei Resturant in West Hempstead, and tickets are still available online at ButYouDontLookSick.com. Tickets include a three-course dinner, unlimited beer, wine and soda, dancing, raffle prizes, and free gift bags for all in attendance.

Miserandino said she was inspired to turn the idea of a birthday on its head as a result of her own experience with lupus. “I have been living with lupus for over 20 years. We started to throw an ‘unbirthday party’ to raise money for lupus research two years ago when I decided I didn’t need gifts, but I wanted to give gifts to others and grant the wish of someday living a life without lupus. I remember being younger, when I was first diagnosed with lupus and wondering if I would even make it to 37, so now every birthday is such a gift and a reason to celebrate,” Miserandino said.

The party, now in its third year, will look to raise funds for lupus research via the newly formed But You Don’t Look Sick Foundation, which was started in connection with Miserandino's blog, ButYouDontLookSick.com, which provides support for those dealing with chronic illnesses. This year’s party will serve as the launch event for the But You Don’t Look Sick Foundation.

While Miserandino said that the foundation strives to help find a cure for lupus, she wants to make sure people living with the disease are living happy and healthy lives until a cure is found. “Our charity will focus on camperships, scholarships and grants to make life with lupus easier and happier,” Miserandino said.