Welcome to my page! My name is Holly and I've been living with Lupus for 22 years. I live off of coffee, chocolate, and nuts! I'm always tired and forgetful but I make the most out of it. Every day is unpredictable. I have my good days, and I have my bad days. EIther way, life goes on...I'm so grateful for God, my loving family, friends, and co-workers who have supported me from Day 1. Please WALK with me and/or donate to a worthy cause! THANK YOU!

What’s my story?
22 years ago, I was diagnosed with Lupus during my sophomore year in h.s. For about 2 weeks, I had fevers on and off, joint pains all over my body, and felt extremely fatigue. My Dad took me to see my doctor and he believed I had Lupus. So he told us to go the the Children’s Hospital of L.A and that was when the doctors diagnosed me with Lupus and spent a week there. It was a daunting experience and I thought my life was pretty much over. Luckily it was controllable. I even got the nickname "Chipmunk" because of my chubby cheeks (wished it was the pair on my bottom). It was one of the nasty side effects of steroids that caused the puffiness and weight gain. I also lost a lot of hair and didn’t have any energy to do anything. I looked pretty awful! I could’ve given up and felt sorry for myself. But I decided to take a different path. With God on my side, he gave me the strength and confidence to do whatever I set my mind to. I stayed on the school clubs, played on the tennis and basketball teams, attended the school dances and was just one of the teenagers in school. I continued to fight and jumped over many hurdles throughout the last 2 yrs of h.s. After my senior yr, I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, voted "Most Likely to Succeed" in the Yearbook, served as the President of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Interact, Captain of the Varsity Tennis team, Co-Captain of the Varsity Basketball team, and awarded "Senior of the Year" award. I’m proof that you can overcome anything. Never. Give. Up. During those years, I was truly blessed to have an awesome boyfriend (hubby now), family, friends, and teachers that helped me live a “normal” life through h.s.

Fast forward to now, Lupus is a part of me but it doesn't take anything away from me! It sucks because I'm always tired (coffee is my best friend), can't be in the sun without wearing tons of sunscreen (that's why I'm so pale), and I lose a lot of hair (just check out my shower). The most frustrating symptom is battling with “lupus fog” or “brain fog” where I have trouble concentrating, remembering things, and processing information. So don’t mind me if I asked you the same question more than once, slow in responding or if I forget to do something. Thank goodness for sticky notes, Siri, and Alexa.

Lupus has definitely made me become a stronger person...I'm grateful to have an amazing hubby and son in my life, and to be surrounded with wonderful people who supported me through good days and bad days. Feeling "normal" and able to “function” is when I'm the happiest. I don't take anything for granted and always strive to be the best wife, daughter, friend, sister, co-worker and most importantly, mommy! I still take a handful of drugs every day and infusion once a month, I’m happy to say that I’m in REMISSION.

I'm Walking to End Lupus, Join Me?

Imagine a day when doctors can say, "There is a cure for lupus". Until that day though, there is work to be done. That's why we are taking action in the fight against lupus. Join us as we participate in the Lupus Foundation of America's Walk to End Lupus Now® to raise critical funds for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States.

Will you join our team and help us reach our fundraising goal? You’ll be supporting the Foundation's efforts to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. You can also support by making a secure contribution on our walk page. Every single dollar counts!

Did you know?

• Lupus is a mysterious and misunderstood autoimmune disease. It strikes without warning, affects each person differently, and has no known causes or cure.
• Lupus symptoms can be severe and highly unpredictable and can damage any organ or tissue, from the skin or joints to the heart or kidneys.
• While lupus can strike anyone at any time, 90% of people living with lupus are women. Women of color are at especially high risk. 
• Only one drug has ever been developed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration specifically to treat the disease.

Together, we can solve the cruel mystery of lupus. Join our team today and support our efforts!