My name is Michelle Andrade-Vargas and I am 33 yrs old. I am happily married and a mother of 3 boys (a handsome 8yr old, a Mini Poodle puppy, and a 12yr old Pomeranian who has recently past away)
I balance a full-time job with part-time college studies while also caring for my children. As a devoted soccer mom, I manage schedules and activities, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Weekends are filled with household chores, soccer events, and quality time with family and friends, making for a bustling schedule that keeps me on my toes!
Well let me tell you it's hard, specially being in pain all the time. Thankfully I have a wonderful husband that helps me and understands.
About 6 years ago I started to get unexplainable purple marks all over my body, I couldn't hold up my phone, nor hold a bottle of water from the horrible wrist pain. It was a pain and tiredness I had never felt before. I started to loose a lot of hair, and my joints are constantly swollen and in pain.
I have always been known for the great organization skills and attention to detail with everything I do, but for the first time I noticed that I was writing more notes and reminders due to the brain fog.
Many haven't heard of Lupus or all the different autoimmune diseases, so that's why I want to help spread awareness, learn more and raise money to find a cure of this horrible disease that tries to slow me down!
I am joining thousands of people across the country for the Walk to End Lupus Now®. I hope that you will join me either by lacing up your sneakers or by donating to my fundraising page.
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 generous contribution of $5, $10 or $50 can make a definite impact. What’s more, if your employer offers a Matching Gift Program to employees, you may be able to double your contribution with just a little bit of paperwork. Trust me, it’s worth the effort! Every single dollar counts.
"I define who I am. Lupus is just a Bully I beat every morning when I get out of bed."
-Michelle Andrade-Vargas
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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.
Lupus is hard to diagnose, but the Lupus Foundation of America is working to make life easier and more comfortable for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States. Together, we can solve the cruel mystery of lupus. Thank you for your generosity!
