History

The seeds of hope for L.E.S.S. were planted in 1979 when a small group of lupins felt a need for a support organization to assist themselves and others with the effects of this chronic illness. On March 4, 1980, Gwen MacDonald, Nurse Educator, and Joni Sereda, Social Worker, sent letters to lupus patients in Saskatchewan inviting them to attend a meeting to organize a support group. On March 19, the meeting was held at the University Hospital in Saskatoon. Forty-five people attended from across Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Duck Lake, Watrous, Humboldt, Tisdale, Willowbrook, Leask, Rosetown, Conquest and Caronport, were all represented.

Dr. W.E. DeCoteau, Medical Director of the Rheumatic Diseases Unit at the University Hospital was the first speaker on April 30, 1980. Pat Leece chaired the first executive meeting on June 23, 1980. Five committees were formed: Program Planning; Visitation; Lunch; Publicity; and Newsletter.

Alison Tod chaired the executive meeting on September 15, 1980, at which incorporation was discussed. On November 17, a basic constitution was assembled. The name L.E.S.S. and the original logo were adopted. Incorporation was completed on March 5, 1981. In 1983, Barb Chipperfield designed the lupine flower logo and the motto 'Hope is Growing' was adopted...

By Jocelyn Brock, 1994