Rodeilyn Rosario: A Special Proposal

Walk to End Lupus Now™ events are always memorable, but this year stood out a little more to Rodeilyn Rosario who got engaged to her boyfriend of two years at the Walk in New York!

While other kids her age were playing and going to school, Rodeilyn was suffering from pain in her joints and allergy flare ups. At the young age of 12, she was diagnosed with lupus and had to undergo chemotherapy to treat her symptoms.

As the first person in her family with lupus, Rodeilyn and her family had a difficult time adjusting to life with lupus. Now 21-years-old, Rodeilyn works at a pastry shop and does her best to stay stress free, because she finds that her symptoms tend to act up when she is stressed.

However, Rodeilyn’s story is another instance of how support and positivity is essential to living with lupus. She has participated in multiple walks with her friends and family by her side, supporting her throughout her journey with lupus. Her co-workers at the pastry shop who cannot physically attend the walk show their support by helping her fundraise for the event.

Rodeilyn participates in Walk to End Lupus Now events because of the positive environment and energy of other walkers. Her team goes the extra mile and plans for the event months in advance, including post-event activities to make each Walk truly memorable.

And this year, her boyfriend became her fiancé! Despite the difficulties Rodeilyn has faced, her courage and optimism shines through and she is looking forward to planning her big day!