Exploring Life & Business with Monica Ellis of Lupus Matters Corporation

After being diagnosed with Discoid & Systemic Lupus in 2001. She started the hashtag #LupusMatters in 2007. Ten years later Monica, founded Lupus Matters Corporation. As of now, she has had 21 years in the Lupus community, in which she has served all of these years battling and surviving this dreadful illness, as well as kidney and congestive heart failures but during this time she was laying the foundation to create a positive and transparent outlook on Lupus. Her nonprofit organization just celebrated their five year anniversary this May 10th 2022.

My song: Lupus Matters Anthem can be found at:

Some of our many accolades are:

PROCLAMATIONS:

Conyers, GA 2016

Cartersville, GA 2016

Douglasville, GA 2017-19 & 2022

State Level Nathan Deal 2018

State Level Brian Kemp 2020 & 2022

FUNDRAISING:

Concession Stand Fundraising @Truist Park 2019 & 2021

Georgia Tech Football

Harley-Davidson

Douglasville Marine Corp Toy Drive

LUPUS MATTERS CORP INITIATIVES:

LUPing the Community Together

• Backpack Giveaway 2017,2018 & 2020

• Winter Coat Drive 2020

• Christmas Toy Giveaway 2017, 2019-21

Lupus Matters to me Because 2021

Cheers To Five Years-Giveback May 2022

COLLABORATIONS:

Two Lupie Chix Foundation INC

• Toy Giveaway 2021

• Two Lupies Community (Tuesday Talk)

Operation T.O.Y.S 2020

Lupus Matters Corporation Honors:

Angela & Authur Blank, of the Atl Falcons

• Lit the Mercedes Benz Stadium Purple in the name of Monica Ellis & Lupus Matters Corporation for Lupus Awareness Month

Historically has never been lit for a cause such as this.

Nominated for three Wego Health Awards

Atlanta Braves Pin for Outstanding Customer Service 2019 & 2021

Women of Triumph Award 2022

Conversations That Matter Radio Host at 106LiveRadio Started August 10th 2022

It hasn’t always been a smooth ride because Lupus is a roller-coaster. I’ve struggled with pain and depression. I’ve found that when I’m on a high dose of steroids, although helpful, it makes me feel crazy, like mean. It makes me over-eat and gain weight. Lupus has a strange way of holding you hostage to its madness by affecting many of your organs but we MUST fight this disease with the whole Armor of God. Many times I’ve been at my breaking point but I will never give up. I constantly thank God for allowing me to come off of dialysis, TWICE! and keep me fighting and conquering over this deadly chronic disease.

We would love to help more newly diagnosed lupus patients get through this difficult time by mentoring them to have a better outlook about this disease because it takes us helping one another to get through our day to day struggles. LMC, promotes lupus awareness as well as living life to the fullest.

Although Lupus Matters Corporation, is my baby, I am the owner of several other businesses. I have a janitorial company, I’m a notary, I’m an escort pilot car driver, I am an online radio host, I have a fitness business, I am the author of Lupus Matters Magazine as well as the soon to be released memoir,

“I Sleep In My Jeep” (Sept. 6th 2022),

I have two non-profit organizations and I am a government contractor, with that being said, lupus has tried to stop me but God keeps me pushing through.

I try to be intentional about laughing, smiling and not worrying. Although, some days can be difficult but I wake up with a mindset to conquer Lupus, so that nothing can stop me. LMC, is known for it’s transparency, we really want people to know what it’s like to live with Lupus daily. I’m proud that LMC, has survived five years in the nonprofit sector and is continuing to grow and learn. LMC, loves to serve the community whether it be in collaboration with other businesses or Non-profit organizations or on our own. Our backpack and Toy giveaways tend to brighten the hearts of children and lighten the load for parents.

I believe in God’s grace and mercy.

In life, I’ve been blessed to come out of the storms of life unscathed…There were so many times I’ve thought to myself why am I still here? God has a plan for me and as long as I keep the faith, I know that there will be greater on the other side.