About Us

From our President and Founder

My experience with lupus dates back to the 70's. I was still a child, but I remember the sadness that invaded my family when one of my aunts, my father's younger sister, was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 25.

At that time, in Colombia (my native country), a diagnosis of lupus would come with no hope for treatment. This was one of the reasons why, shortly after her diagnosis, my aunt Teresita passed away from the disease.

In 2013, the "cruel mystery of lupus" (as the Lupus Foundation of America calls it) appeared in my family once more. This time it was my brother Francisco's daughter, my niece Laura. She was only 16 when she got the lupus diagnosis and died two and a half years later. Her passing, in my opinion, has many possible reasons. From denial of the disease in the family, to inadequate treatment, and medical negligence. 

Unfortunately, Lupus is still present in my life and in my family as, my sister Gloria Lucia (a brave, intelligent, loving, and beautiful woman) was diagnosed with lupus in 2018. She has been fighting this disease with faith (always with her eyes on her healer Jesus Christ) and discipline: punctually attending her medical check-ups, getting treatment, and taking the prescribed medications; all of this without losing her contagious joy, working diligently in the health sector in Colombia, and leading a "normal" life (even with all of her restrictions). 

I am a very spiritual person, and have felt how God has revealed to me my responsibility not only to support my sister, but also to convey a message of hope to lupus patients and their families here in the state of Washington in the USA, where I currently reside.

With all that in mind, and inspired by Fundación Alas de Cristal Internacional (Colombia based non-profit organization founded by my sister Gloria and her family in 2023), I founded Crystal Wings USA in 2024.

I certainly hope that you, the reader, consider joining us in bringing hope and support to lupus patients in the WA State community.

Portrait of a woman with long brown hair, wearing a red sweater and a small cross necklace, against a plain background.

Claudia Salas

PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER OF CRYSTAL WINGS USA

Alas de Cristal Internacional

Colombia

  • Group of children and adults holding purple bags inside a room with musical instruments and blue curtains.

    Helping children in need

  • A woman and a young boy standing together indoors. The woman is smiling and leaning down, holding a purple bag and placing an arm around the boy. The boy is holding the bag and smiling. There is a table with a white tablecloth and a cardboard box on it in the background.

    Sharing hope to the ones that need it most

  • Group of children sitting in bus seats, smiling and posing for a photo.

    A community for fun and connection

  • Two women smiling and holding a gift basket wrapped in plastic. One wears a purple shirt and sunglasses, while the other wears a green floral shirt and glasses. They are in a room with a ribbed metal roof.

    Together we can build a better future

  • Group of five adults, two wearing matching dark blue polo shirts, pose together inside a room. One man is seated in a wheelchair, with a stack of blue plastic chairs and a bulletin board in the background.

    Bringing the community together

  • Smiling woman with colorful face paint and child with face paint outdoors.

    A place of hope

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    Leading with empathy

  • A group of smiling children with face paint holding toys and a soccer ball, posing under a tree. Two adults are in the background, one of whom is also smiling. The setting seems to be outdoors, with a blue building in the background.

    Lupus patients deserve a life full of love

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    Our hearts are with those that need the most

  • Two women standing in front of a group of people indoors, with tables holding gift baskets and a large speaker in the background.

    We advocate for a bright future for lupus patients

Crystal Wings was born

Claudia and Gloria Salas decided to found Crystal Wings USA in 2024, as a way to extend the mission and service that Fundación Alas de Cristal Internacional provides to the Lupus community in Colombia.

Gloria Lucia is an incredible woman. She’s described by her friends and family as a remarkable, brave, intelligent, and loving woman who is a true inspiration for everyone, specially for those struggling with Lupus as she was diagnosed with the disease in 2018.

Gloria has been fighting this disease with faith and dedication to her medical treatment. And her positive attitude has allow her to live a productive life, full of love to give to everyone around her.

Two women standing together, one wearing a pink jacket, the other wearing a white and pink sweater, both smiling with handbags.

Claudia and Gloria Salas

CO-FOUNDERS OF CRYSTAL WINGS USA

In loving memory

The Salas family has suffered loss to the hands of Lupus. This is one of the strong forces behind the “why” of Crystal Wings USA.

Teresita Salas, Claudia and Gloria’s aunt, was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 25 and passed away shortly after.

In 2013, Claudia’s and Gloria’s niece, Lau Salas, passed away from Lupus, She was only 18.

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Black and white photo of an individual with long hair looking at the camera. They appear to be wearing a sleeveless top.

Our

Mission

Crystal Wings logo, which is a purple butterfly with a golden halo, featuring the text 'Crystal Wings USA' below it.

To support and empower individuals and families impacted by lupus through shared experiences, support groups, and spiritual guidance, we aim to foster a healing community, promote healthy lifestyles, and improve quality of life for all.

We know how empathy from lupus patients often carries a profound depth shaped by their own struggles with chronic pain, fatigue, and unpredictability.

Living with an invisible illness fosters a unique understanding of the hardships others face, even when those struggles aren’t outwardly visible.

We know resilience, patience, and kindness, reinforcing the importance of genuine human connection in the face of adversity.

The Crystal Wings effect

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    Emotional Support

    Crystal Wings provides a safe space to express feelings without judgment. We’re helping reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness on those affected with Lupus and other disabilities.

  • Two women smiling and posing outdoors in white shirts and colorful tutus, with heart-shaped and red sunglasses, covered in colored powder, suggesting a fun run or color event, on a grassy field near a body of water.

    Shared Experiences

    Crystal Wings connects people facing similar challenges, making it easier to relate and learn from one another. This experience offers practical advice and coping strategies.

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    Increased Understanding

    Crystal Wings is helping members gain new perspectives on their situations. We improve the wellbeing of people affected by Lupus and other disabilities by encouraging self-awareness and personal growth.

Empowering Lupus Warriors

Let’s connect. Follow our journey.

Check out our Lupus Resources to learn more about research, definitions, community building, and more!