My  journey began in 2005. but at its worst in 2011 when pain in my knees and ankles got to the point where I couldn't walk without assistance.  After spending a night in the hospital for observation, the lupus diagnosis came.  I went home using a walker but gratefully recovered.  Since then I still have flare ups with joint pain, but am able to do most activities as before.  I have to cover up during the summer months and use sunscreen because overexposure can cause flare ups.  Because Lupus is an autoimmune disease, I take medication which suppresses my immune system, making me more vulnerable to sickness. There is no cure, and complications can arise at any time due to its unpredictability. My blood is monitored regularly to detect possible organ damage. God has blessed me with many resources to draw upon, and I'm grateful my doctors, as well as support from my family, friends, and lupus support group.

There are those of us with lupus who lack resources needed to manage this mysterious and cruel disease.  The goal is to find a cure, which is why I am asking you to join my fundraising walk team, Bright Hope, on behalf of the Indiana chaper of the Lupus Foundation of America .  It would provide funding for educational programs and advocacy, as well as money for vital research needed to end lupus now!  This year due to COVID 19 and social distancing, we will again  do a "virtual walk" where everyone can walk where they live, not in a large gathering. So even if you're in Chicago, Boston, or on the West Coast, you can register as a team member for a fee, then join me Saturday, October 16th.  You have the choice of either walking 1 mile or 3 miles (treadmill counts!). If you don't want to walk as a team member, please consider a gift of any amount given securely online from my personal page.

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.
• Only one drug has ever been developed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration specifically to treat the disease.

Together, we can solve the cruel mystery of lupus. Thank you for your generosity!

Renae