2020 thru now has been unprecedentedly hard for all of us in multiple ways, but it hit me in a way I would have never expected. I was hospitalized 4 times in 2020, first for thyroid removal, the other 3 times for deadly blood clots. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) on December 7, 2020 along with other chronic illnesses. The diagnosis, while it helped me make sense of so many health issues I've had in my life, was like being hit with a truck. My whole life, friends closest to me used to joke that I was always sickly or that I could never catch a break. Now we know why. Here I am, diagnosed with a chronic disease that has no cure. Lupus is a part of my life EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I live with some element of this disease my every waking (or sleeping) moment. I was hospitalized again in 2021 for two weeks and had emergency surgery. My flares and symptoms are sporadic and can be debilitating. While I’m still learning my triggers, I do know that stress, extreme temperatures and even my monthly cycle triggers flares. The pain and nausea are never ending. And, I haven’t been able to work since September 2021. Every moment of each day is unpredictable and I want to do something to change that for myself and others. Help me raise funds to improve the quality of life for people like me with Lupus and to find a cure. 

On September 30, 2023, I am joining thousands of people across the country for the virtual Walk to End Lupus Now®.  For the third year in a row the walk will be held coast to coast! I hope that you will join me either by lacing up your sneakers or by donating to my fundraising page.

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!

I appreciate you more than you know.