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Many people know that I have Lupus, but most don't know MY STORY.
I was 19 when I collapsed on the Texas State University campus in the quad. My hips and legs gave out and I had a pretty severe muscle spasm. The ER referred me to an orthopedist. I will start the next part of this story by prefacing how LUCKY I was...

I got into an orthopedist the very next day... This orthopedic doc diagnosed me as his youngest patient with bursitis in the hip. He said I was too young for this and referred me to a rheumatologist. I got into a rheumatologist three days later. If you've ever made specialist appointments... you know that alone is a miracle.

By getting into the rheumatologist so quick, they were able to do labs when I was still in an active flare-up.
In December 2009 I was diagnosed with SLE, RA, Sjogren's, and Mild Fibromyalgia.

At this point, I was a full-time student and lacrosse player at TXST. My life immediately took a turn... I had been a dancer and lacrosse player for 10 years and overnight my identity felt as if it was stripped.  I was forced to quit lacrosse and start a new journey of figuring out my new identity.
This led me to seek out Greek Life at TXST and I decided to Spring rush Chi Omega Fraternity! This sisterhood is what kept me alive through college. Through every hospital visit, insomniac night, and pity party they were there for me.

I missed so much school and wound up having to file for special accommodations, but still managed to graduate a summer semester late with a 3.6 GPA. I will forever be so proud of what I overcame through college. As most were out partying, I was home in bed. [Don't get me wrong, I still had fun ]

After college, Angelica Maria Garza reached out and asked if I would be interested in a BOD position with Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter. I immediately jumped on this opportunity, because I wanted to help other young adults that were going through what I was.
I'm so thankful for this amazing journey I've traveled.

I hope you will consider donating and or joining my team!

Welcome to our fundraising team page.

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 we are taking action in the fight against lupus. Join us as we participate in the 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 join our team and help us reach our fundraising goal? You’ll be supporting the Foundation's efforts to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. You can also support by making a secure contribution on our walk page. 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. Join our team today and support our efforts!