Lupus Awareness Month

May is Lupus Awareness Month.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect a person's skin, kidneys, heart, brain, and other organs. Like many other diseases, lupus is invisible and can leave a person very fatigued. It affects five million people globally, with 90 percent being women, and disproportionately affects women of color.
Unfortunately, I have lost people that I love to this disease, so I decided to enlighten myself and spread awareness to others. I also wanted to know how lupus affects people on a personal level, so I researched a few celebrities to find out.
Actress and singer Selena Gomez went public with her lupus diagnosis in 2015. Prior to the announcement, Selena had been dealing with her disease privately for two years. Because of lupus, Selena had to get a kidney transplant. Her friend Francia Raisa donated a kidney to Selena, enabling her to live life to the fullest – including marrying her partner, Benny Blanco.

Did you know the “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson, also had lupus? Michael was diagnosed with discoid lupus in 1983. His lupus caused a butterfly rash and other symptoms that sometimes required him to wear gloves and sunglasses to protect himself from the sun. Most people probably wouldn’t guess that lupus had an influence on his iconic style! Despite his lupus, Michael would go down in history as one of the world’s greatest entertainers.

I’ve been jamming out to soulful sounds of the great Toni Braxton since the 90’s. Toni has been very open about her lupus and has shared her journey on her reality show, "Braxton Family Values.” Toni was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus - the most common form of lupus - which has caused major complications. She had to have a stent placed after doctors found a major blockage in her heart. Because of her experience, Toni is an active spokeswoman for lupus, spreading awareness wherever she goes.
Since lupus mainly affects women of different cultures, the awareness of the disease is very important to me. The only way to handle a medical condition is to know which one you are dealing with and its signs. You can find definitions for each and many other resources on the Lupus Foundation of America website.

I’d like to send my best wishes to all who are dealing with disease. It’s my hope that you’ve found care management that allows you to live life to the fullest.
Let’s keep lupus awareness going because the more you know, the more informed you are and the better you can help others.