Finding Strength, One Step at a Time: Cynthia’s Lupus Journey
When Cynthia was diagnosed with lupus in 2006 at just 12 years old, she didn't fully understand what the diagnosis would mean for her future.
"I couldn't really grasp the entirety of the situation," she recalls. "The team of doctors kept mentioning a new way of life, new routines, and a new normal."
Leading up to her diagnosis, Cynthia experienced swollen knees, loss of appetite, fatigue, and sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. While her parents worried about what was ahead, Cynthia approached her diagnosis differently.
"I was never afraid," she says. "I took it one step at a time and accepted what each day threw my way."
Like many families, Cynthia's had never heard of lupus before her diagnosis. But once lupus became part of their lives, they began hearing stories from others who had been affected by the disease.
"It felt like suddenly 'this one aunt's sister had it' or 'my teacher's daughter has it,'" she says. "It shed light on what the future held while still trying to be positive and optimistic."
For years, Cynthia learned to manage the ups and downs of living with lupus. Then, in 2018, everything changed.
After a bacterial lung infection went misdiagnosed and untreated for several months, she experienced a major lupus flare and was hospitalized for weeks. Even after receiving the correct treatment, her recovery took months.
"When I had my lupus flare, I could barely bend my knees to walk," Cynthia says. "When I mustered up the energy to get on my feet, I would become out of breath quickly."
That difficult chapter inspired her to participate in her first Walk to End Lupus Now® event in San Francisco later that year.
"Walking at that year's event was a testament to getting back on my feet and walking alongside the community that helped get me back to good health. It made me value the days that I was 'up' and gave me hope for the days that I was 'down.'"
What began as a team of about 15 participants has grown into a much larger community of support. Today, Cynthia walks alongside her husband, immediate family, aunts, uncles, cousins, high school and college friends, and coworkers.
"It brings me so much joy and comfort to look out at the community I have walking beside me," she says. "It makes me feel supported and not alone in my journey with lupus."
For Cynthia, that's what makes Walk to End Lupus Now so special.
"My favorite part is the supportive environment and how encouraging everyone is."
She believes events like Walk to End Lupus Now do more than raise funds. They raise awareness about lupus while reminding people living with the disease that they are never alone.
"It brings awareness not only about the disease, but also sheds light on the community that is here for you, so that you don't have to walk this journey alone."
Cynthia encourages others to get involved in whatever way feels right for them.
"Start wherever you're comfortable," she says. "Whether that's exploring the many resources from the Lupus Foundation of America, joining a support group, or starting a team at a Walk to End Lupus Now event near you."
She also hopes greater awareness will help others receive answers sooner.
"Lupus can often be mischaracterized or misdiagnosed as another disease or ailment," she says. "It's important to raise awareness about the many different symptoms and ways lupus can present so people can find the correct treatment quicker."
Above all, Cynthia wants others living with lupus to remember one thing:
"Your journey with lupus is unique and valid. Advocate for yourself and lean on your community to help you advocate if it gets difficult. You know your disease the best. Don't let anyone get in the way of getting what you need to live a happy and prosperous life."
Interested in attending a Walk to End Lupus Now event? To find a walk in your area, visit walktoendlupusnow.org.