October is widely regarded as Breast Cancer Awareness month, but there is another disease that is the focus for thirty days; Lupus.

Although it is a fairly common illness, many people know very little about the disease.

"Lupus is an auto-immune disease," said Michelle Heichert of the Lupus SK Society. "Basically, what it is, is your immune system attacks anything good in your body, so it's almost like it's fighting a cold but that cold is you."

Many people identify Lupus with the butterfly rash, red patches of skin around your cheeks.

"A lot of people can have the butterfly rash and a lot of people don't even have that," said Heichert. "That have all the internal problems. They can have issues with their heart, their lungs, their kidneys. A big one is being really, really tired."

It is truly a hidden disease, with many people displaying no signs that they are sick. That can add to frustration for both those with Lupus, as well as their friends and family.

"There is so much that people don't know about it yet and it's such a big struggle for them to watch somebody so sick and not know how to help them."

The Lupus SK Society is a small organization in Saskatchewan that focuses on getting information out to the public and assisting those living with Lupus.

"We are trying to bring more awareness, especially in Saskatchewan," added Heichert. "It's a very common disease that people just don't know about."

Lupus SK hosts a Lupus walk in both Regina and Saskatoon in the spring, close to May 10, which is World Lupus Day. 

They also have a website with numerous stories and resources for those living with Lupus, friends, families and the public. 

This month, I will wear red to show my support for several people I know who live with Lupus.