Why I walk:
I walk because lupus is a leading cause of death among young women. Just 20 years ago, the life expectancy for people living with lupus was about 3 years after diagnosis. Today, they have about the same life expectancy as anyone else. This is due to donations like these that will hopefully bring about a cure and greatly improve the quality of life of those living with such a complex and unknown disease.
Please consider walking with us, making a tax deductible donation, or both! See our team page for more information about lupus and the walk in Boston on October 13th: https://support.lupus.org/site/TR/WTELN/General?team_id=31970&pg=team&fr_id=2022
How lupus impacts me:
In 2022, I was diagnosed with lupus and told it can range from mild symptoms to kidney failure and death. While I had been dealing with health issues for two years at that point, I had no idea that this diagnosis would change the course of my life.
On average, it takes 6 years to get a lupus diagnosis, as it is a complex disease that manifests itself in different ways for different people. While I was fortunate to get a diagnosis and start treatment, it took a few hospitalizations and a life threatening episode of pericarditis and a pericardial effusion (fluid building up around my heart) to get answers. Catching lupus early is crucial to getting better outcomes.
I have experienced remission for a few weeks or months at a time, but I still deal with flare ups, even while medicated.
While there are medications that can send patients into remission, they are immunosuppressants, chemotherapy drugs, and steroids, which often have severe side effects. Personally, I developed a form of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) from taking my medications. This led to a year of multiple procedures, more medications, and even more appointments.
Read more at: https://www.lupus.org/personal-stories/catherine-h-diagnosed-at-age-22
You can make a difference by donating to help me reach my personal fundraising goal and support the Foundation's efforts to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus! A contribution of any amount can make a definite impact. Every single dollar counts, as lupus research is currently underfunded.
Join my team today and support our lifesaving efforts!
I appreciate your support very much!
Sincerely,
Catherine
