First off, I have to say WOWZA! I CANNOT even believe that it has been 31, YES, THIRTY ONEDERFUL  years since my original diagnosis. I am a walking MIRACLE! I wasn't supposed to see 20 years old, let alone 40+! Yet here I am, HALLELUJAH! 

I remember vividly to this day when I recieved the news. My parents called me into their room and told me I had Lupus. I bawled my eyes out and was devastated  as I knew this would change my life forever! 

I was 13 years old about to begin my eigth grade year when I got the news. I had went camping with some friends and in the morning on the last day, I woke up with a bloody nose. It lasted about 30 minutes. I had blood blisters all over my face and body which weren't there before. That evening when I was at home, I had another bloody nose that lasted for an hour. The next morning I was supposed to go on another camping trip but my nose started to bleed AGAIN. After 2 hours, my dad took me to the hospital. My nose continued to bleed for the next 4 days and wouldn't clot. I had three, ONLY 3 platelets! Cauterization wasn't an option! I had to have a blood transfusion. (Thank you those who donate, YOU SAVED MY LIFE, literally!) I was the most severe case the medical staff had seen at that time and especially in such a young child!

Fortunately, Lupus has not affected any of my major organs. However, that doesn't mean that I haven't dealt with my share of obstacles. To this day, I have issues with my body which NO doctor has even seen let alone have a solution for. I've tried all the medications and treatments. I have even had chemotherapy and still have NO ANSWERS! I am a medical anomaly!

My fight is NOT over yet! My body may break down, but my spirit won't be crushed! Every day that I breathe is an opportunity to raise awareness and continue to search for a cure for this mysterious disease that affects so many in different ways. 

EVERY DAY IS AWESOME ❤

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!