An Open Letter From A Lupus Warrior

I wrote this open letter for the world to see. Everyone pays attention to visible illnesses such as cancer but society tends to forget about invisible illnesses like lupus. My hope is that this letter will open eyes and urge people to get as involved as they possibly can with lupus research, awareness, and advocacy. Together, let's #findmeacure

To whomever is reading this...

It was April 2012 and I couldn't help but stare around the room. I paid close attention to every aspect of the room. Like the ugly burgundy carpet with tiny cream colored polka dots or the fake plant collecting dust in its leaves in the corner. I wanted to remember this room.

For almost a year, I had been searching for an answer. The answers were never there. Finally, the day came. I remember those tiny cream colored polka dots on the carpet blurring as they danced in my field of vision when the doctor said to me, "Your ANA test came back positive". A positive Antinuclear Antibody test indicates that there is an autoimmune disease present in my body.

After more blood work, referrals, and an appointment with a specialist, I met my new fate on December 12, 2012. I didn't care to inspect the room. I can't tell you what the carpet looked like or the paintings on the wall, if any. But, I do remember my heart falling into the pit of my stomach when I heard the words, "It looks like you've got lupus". Then, I crumbled.

There is no cure for lupus. It will never go away. I can't take a magical pill or get a vaccine that will rid me of this daily burden I live with. My joints ache. My memory is dull. My skin is sensitive. My hair is thinning. My stomach is burning. My body is...exhausted.

The hardest part about lupus is not the ignorant medical professionals, insensitive family and friends, the constant blood work, or the consuming disease--it's knowing that you will never have peace. I have accepted that I have lupus. I do not pity myself or the others because we are soldiers in this battle. I refuse to accept that I will never obtain peace. There will be a day when I will no longer feel any pain and I can live my life the way I have always dreamt of. But that requires you.

Yes, I need you. I need to you to be aware of lupus and the damage it causes not only to the body but the soul. I need you to refuse to accept that there is no cure and demand adequate research and awareness. I need you to help change my life and the lives of millions of others. I need you to donate $10 today to The Purple Wolfpack as we Walk To End Lupus Now on October 25th, 2014 in Boston. I need you to fight for us.

We need you.

Thank You,

Gladys V.

To submit your secure donation online please visit:

http://lupus.donorpages.com/BostonWalk/ThePurpleWolfpack

*ALL FUNDS RAISED GO DIRECTLY TO THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA*

The day I'm most proud of--my college graduation. Despite all the odds against me, I rose above and fought every day.