I’m Walking to End Lupus. Join Me?

Hello, My name is Maggie!

I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) when I was 19 years old.  I was walking through my university campus on my way to AG101 as I was an Agriculture major.  I began feeling weak after coming down the hill of stairs from the library and collapsed in the quad.

After I got to the hospital they told me that I had an inflamed bursa and they would get me into an orthopedist the next day... which is almost unheard of.  The orthopedist said I was the youngest person they diagnosed with bursitis of the hip.  WOOHOO, haha.

He then let me know that there was 100% something else causing this and that he called his rheumatologist friend and got me in the very next day as a new patient... again... unheard of.

A full panel was ran and a week later I was diagnosed with SLE. I was devastated. I was elated. Only someone with a chronic illness can atest that the day they are diagnosed is one of the best days of their life, because they finally realize everything they have been feeling is real.  Everyone else was wrong.

The next few years were full of step therapy and bandwagon diseases.  I am now 31 years young and have found a way to advocate for myself on which medications I take and what will help me best.

Like most others with lupus, it does not stop there.  I have SLE, Raynauds, Sjogrens, RA and fibromyalgia like symptoms.  I am currently on the Benlysta Infusion and it has been a life changer!

Imagine a day when doctors can say, “There is a cure for lupus.” Until that day though, there is work to be done. That’s why I’m taking action in the fight against lupus. Join me as I participate in Lupus Foundation of America’s Walk to End Lupus Now™ in [city] to raise critical funds for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States.

Will you make a donation 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.
• 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!