It's that time of year again: Lupus Awareness Month!
Our main event will be on Saturday, May 16 from 2-5pm at The Gramercy in Yorktown Heights, NY. You can get more details and/or register to attend by clicking on the link.
Our advocacy and events are geared towards supporting individuals and their caregivers who are impacted by any chronic illness including autoimmune diseases and invisible disabilities. We aim to inform and empower.
Are you a lupus warrior or have you been impacted by the disease? Do you want to help share awareness? Contact us!
For any questions, please email tnwteam@thenetworks.org or call/text us at 347-470-4869 (4TNW).
We appreciate your support!
-Cheryl & Brittany Sanchez
TheNetWorks Team
May 9: Turn the Tappan Zee PURPLE for Lupus Awareness Month
May 10: World Lupus Day
May 16: Fundraiser Social at The Gramercy in Yorktown
May 19: Yorktown Town Board
INFORMATION ABOUT LUPUS:
Lupus is a complex chronic disease that has no cure. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead. Anyone can develop lupus, but it is most prevalent in women and people of color. Lupus commonly affects the skin, joints, and internal organs like kidneys and lungs, but it can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. Since it can affect patients in many different ways, it is usually hard to diagnose and hard to treat.
The effects of lupus as well as medications frequently leads to many symptoms such as:
Individuals with lupus can often have other co-existing chronic conditions such as other autoimmune diseases, asthma, dysautonomia/POTS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), etc.
The symbol for lupus is a butterfly, and the color is purple.
note Anyone with an autoimmune disease should not have any immune boosters such as elderberry or garlic.
Click HERE to donate to our lupus fundraiser!
Proceeds are donated to organizations that support lupus research, awareness, and support for individuals with lupus.
Click HERE for information and/or to register.
Did you know that there are current clinical trials researching new treatments for lupus?
Have any questions about clinical trials?
We can help!
Email us at tnwteam@thenetworks.org.
Brittany & Cheryl were part of the Walgreens Patient Advisory Board and were featured in 2025 on Community Pulse; a public affairs show that airs on Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV) about public health in Chicago. To watch the video, click HERE.
Join us Saturday, May 16, 2:00–5:00 PM at The Gramercy in Yorktown Heights, NY for an upbeat afternoon of community, conversation, and impact. This casual fundraiser brings neighbors and local leaders together to increase awareness, raise funds, support lupus warriors, and help connect attendees with available resources.
· Complimentary hors d’oeuvres in a welcoming, trendy setting
· Learn about lupus—what it is, how it affects individuals, and why awareness matters
· Connect with community members, advocates, and supportive resources
· Help us raise money for research
· Take-home information on local programs and services
Free to attend.
This event is hosted by Brittany and Cheryl Sanchez and organized by TheNetWorks Organization.
Sponsors/partners include the TheNetWorks Organization, The Gramercy, Jefferson Valley Mall, and Halston Media.
Vendor and sponsor opportunities are available – email tnwteam@thenetworks.org for info.
Advance registration is recommended but not required. Click HERE to register.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 11, 2026
Contact: Cheryl Sanchez, Founder, TheNetWorks
(347) 470-4869 | csanchez@thenetworks.org
Local Mother-Daughter Duo Leads 5th Annual Lupus Awareness Effort in Westchester County
May 16 fundraiser social will support lupus research and local chronic illness advocacy.
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., May 11, 2026 — Cheryl and Brittany Sanchez of Yorktown are leading their fifth annual lupus awareness and fundraising campaign in Westchester County during Lupus Awareness Month. Their fundraiser social, organized by TheNetWorks Organization, will be on Saturday, May 16, from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Gramercy in Yorktown Heights.
The mother-daughter team has been personally affected by lupus since Brittany was diagnosed in 2020, during the early months of the pandemic. Despite their combined backgrounds in healthcare and science, navigating diagnosis, treatment, and support proved difficult. After finding limited local resources for individuals and families living with lupus, they launched this annual awareness and fundraising effort to expand support, build community, and bring greater visibility to the disease in Westchester County.
Since the initiative began, local and county leaders have formally recognized the campaign’s impact. May has been proclaimed Lupus Awareness Month in both the Town of Yorktown and Westchester County, and the Westchester County Board of Legislators has declared May 10 as World Lupus Day. Cheryl and Brittany Sanchez have also been recognized by the office of State Senator Pete Harckham for their advocacy. In 2025, they expanded their outreach to Yonkers, where they addressed the City Council, and this year the Tappan Zee Bridge was lit in purple in recognition of World Lupus Day.
Lupus is a complex chronic disease that has no cure. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead. Anyone can develop lupus, but it is most prevalent in women and people of color. Lupus commonly affects the skin, joints, and internal organs like kidneys and lungs, but it can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. Since it can affect patients in many different ways, it is usually hard to diagnose and hard to treat.
“What began as a deeply personal journey for our family has grown into a broader effort to raise awareness, create community, and support research for everyone affected by lupus,” said Cheryl. Brittany added: “We want lupus warriors in the Westchester County area to know they are not alone.”
Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA). Expected guests include Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Chairman of the Board of Legislators Vedat Gashi, and County Legislator Colin Smith.
Sponsors and partners include TheNetWorks, The Gramercy, Jefferson Valley Mall, Halston Media, All American Homecare, and Actalent.
Visit lupusawareness.com for event details, photos, information about lupus, and donation opportunities.
TheNetWorks is an accessible, purpose driven community of leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners who have come together to realize meaningful success and foster positive social impact.
