If you don’t know much about lupus, you’re not alone: Nearly two-thirds of us don’t, but lupus is an unpredictable autoimmune disease that has no known cause or cure.

Here’s your chance to learn more, and to help: May is Lupus Awareness Month, full of facts and activities to share.

“Lupus is more pervasive and severe than people think; 45,000 people in North Carolina live with its brutal impact every day,” said Christine John-Fuller, president and CEO of the  Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter.

“We encourage everyone to take action and get involved in Lupus Awareness Month to make a difference in improving the quality of lives of those living with this devastating disease.”

Here’s what you can do:

Take the KNOW LUPUS Challenge. It’s a card game testing test your understanding of the disease. Each time someone takes the challenge, $1 is donated to lupus research. Find it at lupus.org/know.

Walk. Walk to End Lupus Now takes place on May 14 in Fayetteville. Stroll the 1-mile route or walk the 5K route at Festival Park, beginning at 3 p.m. Registration info can be found at lupus.org.

Put On Purple. Wear purple on Friday, May 20, to show support for those affected by lupus. Better yet, pump up the purple by involving your co-workers!

For more details on May events honoring Lupus Awareness Month, visit lupusawarenessmonth.org.