One day in the emergency room completely changed my life. I was just 14 years old when I began feeling overwhelmingly sick—something I couldn’t explain and no one fully understood at the time. What started as a concern quickly turned into something much more serious. I was admitted to the hospital, and after routine lab work, doctors discovered that my kidneys had failed. Within weeks, after being referred to specialists, I was diagnosed with lupus.
At that time, my family and I had never even heard of lupus. There were no pamphlets handed to us, no clear explanations, and very few resources available. I was a teenager trying to make sense of a life-altering diagnosis while navigating school, friendships, and everything that comes with growing up. Instead of focusing on typical teenage experiences, my days became centered around dialysis treatments and doctor visits.
I spent a lot of time searching for answers. I would go to the library and read books and magazine articles, trying to understand what was happening to my body. I wanted knowledge, because knowledge gave me some sense of control in a situation that felt completely out of my hands. Even now, years later, I continue to stay informed, always learning more about lupus and how it affects not just me, but so many others.
Living with lupus has impacted me physically, mentally, and emotionally. There have been days filled with exhaustion, pain, and uncertainty. There have been moments when my body didn’t cooperate and times when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. But through it all, I’ve learned resilience.
Over the years, I’ve built a strong support system—my family, my friends, fellow lupus warriors, and even people I’ve connected with through social media. These connections have reminded me that I am not alone. They’ve helped carry me through the difficult days and celebrate the good ones.
I don’t always share the day-to-day realities of living with lupus, and I try not to complain, but this is my reality. There are times when symptoms show up unexpectedly—like uveitis, an inflammation in my eye that can cause redness, discomfort, and vision issues. I’ve experienced days where my eye was bloodshot from a burst vessel, my face was puffy, and the butterfly rash made its appearance. But even in those moments, I keep going.
Because this journey is not just about me. I advocate not only for myself, but for every person living with lupus. I’ve stood on Capitol Hill, sharing my story and pushing for change, even on days when I didn’t feel my best. I know many of my fellow lupus warriors do the same—pushing through symptoms, showing up, and refusing to let lupus define us. Lupus may be a part of my life, but it does not control my purpose. If anything, it has strengthened my voice. It has given me a platform to educate, advocate, and inspire others.
Every day, I choose to find something positive, even in the midst of challenges. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into someone stronger, more compassionate, and deeply committed to making a difference. This is my story—but it’s also a reminder that even in the face of adversity, strength can rise, purpose can grow, and hope can remain.