Hi family and friends! 

This year I am joining thousands of people across the country to raise awareness and money for lupus. On October 13th, my team and I will be walking 3.1 miles in San Francisco to help raise money for more research and hopefully one day a cure for Lupus. 

Since November 19th 2023, I realized how much I had taken for granted every day. Walking, speaking normally, being able to regulate your own body temperature, being migraine free and a good nights rest. Unfortunately, these are some of the things I deal with daily.

At the beginning of 2024 I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease.  Prior to my diagnoses I had been extremely sick for several months with no explanation.  My symptoms included the loss of my voice, migraines, extreme joint pain and extreme fatigue and random fevers, to name a few. I had gotten so sick, that I was unable to get out of bed and work, so I was placed on disability for 3 months. I had seen several doctors who ran a multitude of tests, none of which were conclusive. My doctor tried to refer me to a rheumatologist but they wouldn’t see me because they said my lab results were not significant enough. Another doctor told me it was “all in my head”. Thankfully I found a rheumatologist who was willing to see me, listen to me, and advocated for me. He was the one who finally diagnosed me with SLE.  

Lupus has been taking over my life since November 19th, with many struggles I have to learn to deal with daily. This disease has been attacking my basal ganglia, a part of the brain that is primarily responsible for motor control, thus affecting my vocal cords and not allowing me to speak normally. 

Lupus tries to take over our body and our lives. We may struggle every day, but I will not let it define who I am…

And now my journey begins…

This year 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 $25 or $55 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.

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!