“Well, child, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare.”
Those words took upon a whole new meaning back in 2015. A year of I had I known then what I know now, I would have…
Two thousand and fifteen, I know it seems like a lifetime ago, in comparison to the last Three-3 years. Rewinding the clock to when my feet and ankles swelled up to the size of cantaloupes. My right hand was gnarled and swollen, to the point I could not write or grip anything. After a bevy of tests and lab work, I was pre-diagnosed with RA, Rheumatoid Arthritis. It wasn’t until after Christmas that I learned the truth.
“Ms. Ali we’ve ran your lab and blood work. Looked you over and analyzed your symptoms.”
“So when do I begin treatment for my RA symptoms?”
“Ms. Ali you don’t have Rheumatoid Arthritis, you have Lupus.”
From that day forward I asked God for Three-3 things, Strength when I am weak, Courage when I am afraid, and Wisdom to help me understand. With those blessings I created the 40@40 Milestone Challenge for Lupus. A campaign dedicated to raising awareness, promoting advocacy and raising funds to support Lupus research, provide resources for patients and their families, give fellow Lupus Warriors the opportunity to celebrate even more milestones, moments and memories.
I invite you all to join me in becoming a Lupus Warrior. Take part in the 40@40 Milestone Challenge for Lupus, by wearing purple, learning more about Lupus, making a financial contribution. Every dime and every dollar funds grants/scholarships for...
* Low income families and their caregivers to pay monthly bills, medical expenses, and/or simply take a weekend getaway with family.
* Fund research for females and pregnant women with Lupus.
* Fund research to Directly study the effects Lupus has on African Americans and other minorities.
* Create Lupus support kits for Newly diagnosed patients and families. To help answer questions, find doctors in your area, provide Lupus journals, information about common Lupus medications, and much, much more.
"I may have Lupus but Lupus does Not have me."
The 40@40 Milestone Challenge for Lupus is a vision ground for something much greater than myself. If I am going to celebrate my life, I'm going to improve the quality of life for others to reach their own milestones.
Thank you in advance for your continued Love, Prayers and Support.
#40@40MilestoneChallenge
