I'm Walking to End Lupus. Join Me?
In September of 2004 while playing softball I broke my ankle, which resulted in having to have surgery. After the surgery, I began to have many unexplained symptoms like shortness of breath, joint pain, I was always tired, I broke out in the infamous butterfly-shaped rash that appears over the bridge of the nose and both cheeks. I also developed lacerations/ulcers in my mouth which made eating anything painful. I was at a point where I just didn't want to get out bed because my whole body ached (along with having a broken ankle).
At first the Dr. thought my body was rejecting the metal plate and screws they had placed in my ankle, so they were immediately removed. After the removal of the titanium plate and screws the symptoms continued and got worse. I was placed on several antibiotics because they thought I had an infection from the surgery. After about a month or so my primary Dr. was certain he knew what was going on, but wanted to verify it by doing some blood work . His suspicions were correct and I was diagnosed with SLE (Lupus). I was then referred to a specialist in Stanford, and the multiple Dr's I seen there worked together to come up with a treatment plan that would slowly put me in remission. I was always singing up for studies in hope that one day they could find a cure. Slowly I got the Lupus under control, but my battle was just beginning.
I like to compare the past 18 years to a Rocky Road Candy bar (rough, but sweet) it's been a bumpy ride, but along the way I have met so many wonderful people, DR.s, Nurses, and other people with lupus. This disease has made me stronger than I could have ever imagined. It has made me a humble person and it has made me appreciate life and those around me. Every time you see me you can catch me smiling because I refuse to let this disease steal my joy.
Most recently I have been battling with kidney failure requiring me to do dialysis on a daily basis at home. Despite dealing with kidney failure I have managed to continue with everyday things. I work full time, I travel whenever possible, I try to enjoy a concert a month and I continue to play the sport that opened Pandora's Box. I REFUSE to let Lupus have control over my life. For the past few years I have participated in this walk, along with my amazing support system and I will continue to do so as long as I can.
TODAY, I'm asking you for your support; physically and/or monetary. I would be honored to have you walk by my side on this journey please join me on October 21, 2018 in San Francisco. If you would like to join us on the day of the walk please register under TEAM KNOCKOUT (remember if you raise $100 under your name you get a free shirt on the day of the walk). If you cannot attend the walk you can still help by making a contribution to our team, no amount is too small every dollar raised goes to a good cause. Thank you all for your continued support throughout this journey. I haven't given up HOPE! And I HOPE I can count on you to help a cause I hold .
Togetherloljk, we can solve the cruel mystery of lupus. Thank you for your generosity!