New Members Bring Fresh Perspectives, Creativity, and Advocacy to Strengthen Patient Representation
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#lupus–Lupus LA is proud to announce the 2025 Patient Advocacy Panel, welcoming two new patient leaders to further amplify diverse voices and lived experiences within the lupus community. The new panelists – award-winning filmmaker Lorena Gordon and healthcare professional and content creator Sharan Singh – join an established group of dedicated patient leaders who will work to reshape the narrative around lupus, advocate for improved healthcare access, and provide a stronger voice for those living with the disease.
This initiative underscores Lupus LA’s commitment to inclusivity and patient-centered advocacy, ensuring that individuals from different backgrounds, life stages, and professions are represented. The 2025 Patient Advocacy Panel continues the work of bridging gaps in awareness, research, and policy, while fostering a global community of lupus warriors.
Meet the New 2025 Lupus LA Patient Advocacy Panel Members
Lorena Gordon – Award-Winning Writer/Director & Lupus Advocate
Diagnosed with lupus at just thirteen years old, Lorena Gordon has spent her life navigating the challenges of autoimmune disease while pursuing her passion for storytelling. A Queens, New York native, Lorena is an award-winning writer and director whose latest short film, At Last, starring George Lopez and Zack Gottsagen, was acquired by HBO Max. She has multiple film projects in active development with major studios.
Beyond her film career, Lorena has been a dedicated lupus advocate, previously participating in Lupus Chat at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC and volunteering at Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. As a new Lupus LA Patient Advocacy Panel member, Lorena is committed to raising awareness, increasing visibility for chronic illness in the media, and supporting the next generation of lupus warriors.
Sharan Singh – Healthcare Professional, Content Creator & Future Physician Assistant
Sharan Singh, 23, is a UC Irvine graduate, healthcare worker, lupus advocate, and content creator on TikTok, where she shares holistic healing approaches, personal health experiences, and educational insights about lupus. After undergoing multiple joint replacements and surgeries due to her condition, she became determined to give back to the medical field that has helped her navigate lupus.
Sharan is currently pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant, with the goal of working in rheumatology and improving patient care for lupus patients. Her advocacy focuses on holistic healing, bridging patient-provider relationships, and ensuring that young lupus patients feel seen and supported.
Returning Panel Members
The 2025 Patient Advocacy Panel also includes returning leaders who continue to play an instrumental role in raising awareness, advocating for better healthcare policies, and representing the broad spectrum of lupus patient experiences. The full panel includes:
- Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon (Lupus LA Board Member, Writer, Producer & Lupus Advocate)
- Vania Dzib (Lupus Advocate & Wellness Educator)
- Cambria Francesca (Lupus Advocate & Chronic Illness Content Creator)
- Victoria Gibbs (Lupus Advocate, Yoga Enthusiast & Content Creator)
Why the Patient Advocacy Panel Matters
The Lupus LA Patient Advocacy Panel was designed to empower individuals living with lupus to use their experiences to drive meaningful change. By sharing their stories and engaging with policymakers, medical professionals, and the broader community, panel members help:
- Shorten the time to diagnosis
- Improve healthcare access and patient care
- Educate the public about lupus and its impact
- Support Lupus LA’s advocacy initiatives and patient services
Building on the Foundation of Patient Storytelling
«At Lupus LA, we have always believed in the power of patient stories to drive change,» said Susan Bazarsky, Executive Director of Lupus LA. «Our award-winning podcast, Your Story, Our Fight, was the first step in elevating patient voices. With the Patient Advocacy Panel, we are expanding that work, ensuring that lupus patients have a seat at the table when it comes to research, healthcare policies, and awareness campaigns.”
With over 60,000 individuals affected in Los Angeles County alone, lupus remains one of the most underfunded and misunderstood diseases. Lupus LA has raised over $13 million for research, advocacy, and patient support and now reaches over 4.3 million people worldwide through digital education. The Patient Advocacy Panel will continue shaping the future of lupus awareness, representation, and care.
Join the Movement
Lupus LA invites all lupus warriors, caregivers, and supporters to join this mission by sharing their stories, participating in advocacy efforts, and supporting patient-driven initiatives.
Want to get involved? Share your lupus story at [email protected] or visit LupusLA.org/patient-advocacy-panel to learn more.
Follow us for updates: @LupusLA
About Lupus LA
Lupus LA is an independent, national nonprofit health organization based in Los Angeles dedicated to funding lupus research, providing patient services, and advocating for those living with lupus. Through community-driven initiatives, digital education, and national advocacy efforts, Lupus LA works to improve the lives of those affected by this chronic autoimmune disease.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Brianna Donath, Director of Communications
310.657.5667
[email protected]
