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A pair of hope: Stepping up for lupus one flip-flops at a time

by Joyce Remo

PUBLISHED ON May 8, 2023

MAY has always been dedicated to strengthening the general public’s awareness of lupus.

Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body. In lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and damage.

About five million people worldwide have acquired or developed the condition, according to the Lupus Foundation of America, with 15 to 20 percent of this figure being children. Lupus occurs in at least 30 to 50 per 100,000 Filipinos.

The symptoms of lupus vary and may include joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to sunlight.

Lupus can also affect organs such as the kidneys, lungs, and heart, which can lead to serious complications.

Patients face delays in diagnosis, or worse, get misdiagnosed, because there is an insufficient awareness of the condition.

This is why local flip-flop concept store Banana Peel partnered with Hope For Lupus to “strengthen the Foundation’s efforts in raising awareness about lupus and offering support to people living with it.”

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Step Up for Lupus is an exclusive flip-flop collection that intends to raise funds to support the Hope for Lupus Foundation’s activities to create awareness about the condition, provide various services to lupus patients, and promote advocacy.

The product line was officially launched on Wednesday, May 3 at the Banana Peel TriNoma branch in Quezon, City.

Courtesy: Nice Print Photography / Banana Peel

By purchasing a pair, customers can aid lupus warriors and become part of the collective effort toward establishing a world free of lupus.

“Thank you very much for [partnering with] us to provide support to lupus patients and for stepping it up for lupus,” Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, Hope For Lupus’ founder and president said during the launch.

“Together, we can step up in solidarity for Lupus and bring hope to those who need it most,” added Banana Peel’s Marketing Director Nikki Ng.

Courtesy: Nice Print Photography / Banana Peel

The Step Up for Lupus Collection

The collection features unique designs representing the lupus community’s strength and resilience, said the flip-flop concept store.

Banana Peel x Hope For Lupus includes four trendy and comfy flip-flop designs, such as the Hope For Lupus Midnight and Light Grey for men and the Hope For Lupus Viola Purple and Kuroi for women.

Banana Peel Flip Flops for Men: Hope for Lupus – Light Grey and Midnight | Courtesy: Banana Peel

Banana Peel Flip Flops for Women: Hope for Lupus – Viola Purple and Kuroi | Courtesy: Banana Peel

Banana Peel will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the foundation for every purchase of the limited-edition flip-flops collection.

“In supporting this collaboration, customers will have an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact on the lupus community while shopping for a stylish and comfortable pair of slippers,” it said.