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.

I was diagnosed with lupus when I was 25. I'd had symptoms that we later realized were lupus-related for as long as I can remember. At the time, the family practice doctor said he was sorry, but there wasn't much they could do for lupus but give me steroids. This was dangerous advice; not only does lupus cause significant damage when left untreated, it can cause preterm birth -- and did for our second child. Since then I've been on chemo drugs, transplant drugs, steroids, anti-inflammatories, and lately the new biologics, Benlysta and Saphnelo. I've had lupus-related problems in my heart, lungs, blood, central nervous system, kidneys, and joints (2 knee replacements by 55, not the best!) Worse yet, it's affected our daughter, who was diagnosed at 15. I'm grateful for the work the LFA does sponsoring research -- we've made such strides in the nearly 30 years since I was diagnosed, and I have hope that I'll see a cure in my lifetime. We are so close!!

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!