Looks are deceiving, battling with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition that attacks the whole body causing inflammation including the brain. Can you see what’s going on in anyone’s body with your bare eyes. I have been battling for over 30 years. Living with SLE is like having the flu everyday. ALL DAY. Have you ever woken up and forgotten everything about your life? That is what it’s like to have lupus (at least for me). We know everyone with lupus has a different story. That is why I share my story. I share it so people know the challenges I face. I share my story to inspire hope and possibility that one day there will be a cure. I hope to motivate and empower others living with lupus. Ever since my diagnosis at age seven following a stroke, my loved ones have been overly protective and told me that I should not continue education and that I could not become independent. However, I proved them wrong. I completed my Master’s in social work at the University of Washington in 2014 and received my WA State Peer Counselor Certification this year. I got involved with the LFA after my last major flare. I am currently on the walk committee and I am active in the community, taking the lead on Lupus Lifestyle and the Lupus Walk N Talk programs. I am blessed and grateful to connect with different Lupus Warriors in the community who fight the same battle. Having SLE and behavioral health challenges has taught me to persevere and achieve my dreams. It has transformed me into the stronger and more independent woman I am today. But what I am most proud of is the work I do to help ALL people with lupus. I have been raising money for the Walk To End Lupus Now for years and it is very rewarding to know that the donations I get will help fund research, education, advocacy, and support programs for people with lupus. This is why I take action in the fight against lupus. Every dollar raised from Walk to End Lupus Now advances this mission. How did I do it? I created my own walk team called Lupus Warriors. I personalized my online fundraising and posted a link to my walk page on social media. I sent emails to every person I know- family, extended family, friends, not so great friends, coworkers, anyone I can think of. I downloaded the great social media graphics available on the Walk Website for facebook, Instagram, and twitter. Not only that, I downloaded the Walk App on my phone and have integrated it with my Facebook account to make it easier to track my fundraising progress. I also initiated conversation about lupus to almost every new person I met. It is a great way to great way to conversation. In 2016, I raised over $1,280 and I know you can too. This year I am hoping to raise about 1,300 and I know that together, we CAN solve this cruel mystery!