In the spring of 2021 my life changed when I was diagnosed with Lupus. As a 27 year old with my whole life ahead of me, the diagnosis came as a shock and the uncertainty of this disease and how it would affect my future was terrifying.
One of the most challenging aspects of my diagnosis has been learning how to navigate the unpredictability of this disease. One day or one hour you feel completely fine, but the next it is difficult to do normal things like walk the dog, work, or even get up off the couch. As someone who has always lived an active and healthy lifestyle, it has been a struggle accepting the fact that I will never go back to who I was “before” Lupus, but as time goes on I am learning how to embrace this new me and make sure this disease doesn’t define who I am.
I feel incredibly lucky to be healthy enough to run the NYC marathon with Team Life Without Lupus and raise money in support of Lupus research. This November I am running in honor of those who are navigating through a new diagnosis, who have been fighting for years, and who have unfortunately lost their lives to this disease.
100% of money donated will go to Lupus Research Alliance whose mission is to find better treatments, prevent and ultimately cure Lupus.
Thank you so much for your support and for bringing us closer to a life without Lupus!
