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 lost my beautiful daughter, Jannese to this disgusting disease August 30, 2014.  It was the saddest day of my life.  I was forever changed by that loss.  I was also forever changed by her.  Jannese was sunshine on a rainy day. She was funny, talented, passionate, thoughtful, kind and so full of life. Oh, and she was an amazing hugger.  You knew you had been hugged if she hugged you.  

She spent the last 4 months of her life in a hospital in CA.  I was fortunate enough to be able to be with her all that time.  She struggled, and she endured a lot of pain but every day, no matter how bad the day might have been, she always found something to be grateful for.  We celebrated even the little victories.  

This disease needs to end!  I don't want one more person to lose their daughter, sister, granddaughter, or friend.  I am walking to honor her and keep her memory alive.  I am walking because her sister misses her terribly and will never get to share the big and little things in life with her anymore.  I'm walking because my grandkids will never know first hand this crazy, loveable person that would have most definitely been the favorite aunt.  I'm walking because she was a friend to so many people and they miss their friend.  I'm walking to end Lupus NOW!!

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!