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People say I look great. I don’t look sick. But in reality, I battle
with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune
condition that attacks the whole body causing inflammation
including the brain. I have been battling with it 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). But we
know everyone with lupus has a different story. And 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!