Purple butterflies raise awareness for Lupus

DEERFIELD — Purple paper butterflies will hang in Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory this month, from Sunday through May 13, as symbols of hope for those affected by lupus, an inflammatory autoimmune disease.

“These majestic creatures are not only objects of admiration and inspiration, but also a symbol of hope,” reads a press statement about the event. May is Lupus Awareness Month.

“Each butterfly was created by participants of (The Pioneer Valley Lupus Support Group). Some expressed their hope through bright colors, glitter, and colorful stickers, while other butterflies appear darker, almost sad, yet still beautiful,” the statement continues.

The butterfly symbol represents “one of the most visible symptoms of lupus,” a “butterfly like rash that appears over the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.”

For unknown reasons, lupus “causes the immune system to attack the body’s own healthy tissues and organs.” If untreated, affects range from severely debilitating to death.

“Along with the butterfly display will be educational material … and an album titled ‘Stories of Hope,’ containing stories given by lupus patients of all ages.”

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