A Weekend to Remember

Sneakers, Sisterhood, and Spreading Our Wings:

A Weekend to Remember!

Wow, Lafayette! We are still soaring from the incredible energy of our unforgettable two-day weekend.

The 4A’s Sister’s Club wants to send a massive, heartfelt thank you to every single person who came out to support our cause, celebrate our Lupus Warriors, and help us turn the city purple!

Friday Night: The “Wings of Hope” Sneakers Gala
We kicked things off on Friday, May 22nd, at the beautiful Downtown Convention Center, and let us just say—you all know how to rock formal wear with your freshest kicks! The Wings of Hope Gala was a stunning evening filled with elegance, signature cocktails, and an overwhelming sense of community.

The room was absolutely glowing with starry lights and our signature butterfly motifs. Hearing from our incredible guest speaker reminded us exactly why we fight so hard and love so deeply. We danced, we laughed, and we celebrated the fierce resilience of everyone navigating life with Lupus. The vibe was pure magic, proving that even when we are fighting a serious battle, we know how to celebrate life to the fullest.

Saturday Morning: The “Fight Lupus” Walk

We barely had time to catch our breath before we traded our gala glam for our walking gear! On Saturday morning, May 23rd, the energy at Girard Park was absolutely electric. By 9:00 AM, a sea of purple flooded the pathways as we laced up to “Walk Proud.”

From seasoned walkers to families carrying signs for their loved ones, every single step taken was a step closer to a world without Lupus. The vibes were unmatched—there were cheers, beautiful moments of connection, catching up with old friends, and a whole lot of fun along the trail. It wasn’t just a walk; it was a moving celebration of strength.

Continuing the Fight Together

Whether you were dining and dancing under the stars with us on Friday or hitting the pavement on Saturday, your presence made a monumental impact. Every ticket purchased and every step taken helps us provide hope, stipends, and support for our local community of warriors.

If you missed the weekend’s festivities or just want to keep this amazing momentum going, remember that our sisterhood meets regularly! Come spread your wings with us at our “I’m That Butterfly Monthly” meetings every 3rd Thursday of the month (you can join us from the comfort of your couch via Zoom, or in-person at the Girard Park gazebo).

Thank you for helping us lace up for a legacy. Your sneakers and your strength mean the world to us. We can’t wait to see you at the next event!

Special Lupus Advocate for our Sneakers Gala

Meet Candi Faulk-Penn the 4 A’s Sisters Lupus Club 2026 Lupus Special Lupus Advocate, born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. Seven years ago, she was diagnosed with SLE Lupus. Not knowing what Lupus was, Candi did not know what to expect of this silent disease. After being told she was diagnosed with Lupus, she found herself angry, asking God “Why me?” After finding herself in denial about this silent disease, all she could think was that she wanted to be considered “normal” one day.

Like her, many may not know what Lupus is, and that’s ok, it is not that discussed, however, she wants to share what she knows about Lupus.

What is lupus? Lupus is a highly complex autoimmune disease that can affect any organ in your body. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body.

Symptoms vary among people and may be mild to severe. Signs and symptoms may include butterfly rash on the face, hair loss, fatigue, mouth ulcers, swollen and joint pain, lung problems, heart problems, kidney problems. These are some of the symptoms that Lupus can include for her.

However, she came to realize that her own personal journey can be helpful to others and can make a difference. The emotions she feels regularly knowing that having to deal with a chronic illness with no cure is tragic.

Lupus is like a roller coaster, each day you will have your highs and lows. Over the years this disease has manifested into other illnesses including arthritis, Hashimoto, thyroid disease, Neutropenia, Osteopenia and otherunderlying conditions. Other stressors that she has endured are the many visits to specialists, bloodwork every three months, medication changes, and countless medical bills she incur from living each day with Lupus.

Click here to purchase your ticket.

Only those with Lupus will understand the challenges Candi faces on a daily basis. However, one day she hopes there is a cure so others won’t have to suffer as she does. Until that day, one thing she has learned through this journey is that it is not easy. Candi has learned to be her biggest advocate, have the confidence and hope for a cure, to keep her faith, not only for herself but, for her husband, her son, and a wonderful grandson. They give her a purpose and a reason to keep fighting and not to give up.

You do not want to miss this powerful evening of inspiration, hope, and celebration!

Through her experiences, she has learned to appreciate every day she wakes up and remind herself that she’s more than someone with Lupus. She’s a warrior, and she’s here to remind you that even on the hard days, Lupus will not defeat her, she will fight it. Like stated in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

🎟️ Tickets are still available!
Purchase online at 4 A Sisters Club
📞 Or call: 337-258-1666

Grand Marshall has been announced!

His name is Jude Pitts, Grand Marshal for this years End Lupus Walk, he was diagnosed with SLE lupus in 2013. What began as a diagnosis became a journey that has tested his strength, faith, and endurance in ways he never imagined. Through countless medications, multiple biopsies, and even participation in a clinical trial, he has continued to fight—not just for his health, but for hope.

Jude path has included chemotherapy and ongoing injections to manage this disease, and although it has been nine months since his last treatment due to shingles, his fight has never paused. Each challenge has shaped him, not broken him.

He stands today as a testament to resilience, choosing courage over fear and purpose over pain. His journey is not just about lupus—it’s about perseverance, awareness, and the unwavering belief that even in the hardest moments, strength can rise and hope can endure.

To everyone battling lupus, you are seen, you are strong, and you are never alone in this fight. Always remember keep GOD first.

Tickets at 4asistersclub.com
Busy 🐝 Louisiana

lafayettelouisiana #everyonefollowers #followerseveryone #communitysupport #lupuslife #lupussupport #lupusawarenessmonth Nick Cannon Toni Braxton

Ep.25 Don’t Let Chronic Illness Hold You Back – The Ostomate Model

After having symptoms dismissed for many years, Keyla decided to get a second opinion and advocate for herself. In this episode, Keyla explains how she lives to thrive and the habits that she continues to implement in order to feel better. She gives us some great tips about how to manage the financial burden of living with multiple chronic conditions. And a truly inspiring part of her journey has been how she became a model, and strutting down major runways including London and New York fashion week while living with an ileostomy bag!

Listen Here