Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Georgia

Thirty-One Faces of Hope: Angela Nicholas

The lupus community includes people living with lupus, friends, family, and supporters across Georgia. For Lupus Awareness Month, we would like to highlight some of our lupus heroes and champions. 

Meet Angela Nicholas

My name is Angela Nicholas and I am a Lupus Warrior. My diagnosis came at the age of 55 where I started having severe joint pain, extreme numbness, rashes, eye swelling, breathing issues and heart pain. I was a full-time working executive traveling the world and busy raising my two daughters with my husband. Lupus symptoms and the onset of various medications became life changing. I was not able to continue at such a pace. When I found a Rheumatologist and received the diagnosis it was somewhat of a relief to have a name but I was still uninformed. My physician directed me to do research so I started.

I came upon the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America where I found resources and information. The website was very helpful and educational. My family and friends were supportive, yet I did not know another person with Lupus and I felt somewhat isolated.

Well now it was 2020 and the pandemic began but I found the Georgia Chapter’s virtual Lupus support group via Zoom. Bingo!!! I started calling in for every meeting and was so thankful to meet others and hear their stories and their experiences of what they were going through and also where I could share in a safe secure venue. I became fast friends with others and it was helpful to have such a forum.

Soon, I became the leader for this group and more involved with LFAGA including training and the Lupus Atlanta walk. Now, I look at my diagnosis as an eye opener to the world of compassion. I have learned so much about humanity, perspectives and how to be a fighter. My life has changed with the Lupus diagnosis as I no longer travel the world or work at a fast pace but I love being a part of LFAGA and facilitating the Lupus support group and to know with others that there is hope and strength in sharing and being supportive of each other.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsor

Choosing to prioritize your kidney health might be uncomfortable, but the reality is that up to 30% of people who live with lupus nephritis may experience kidney failure, which can lead to dialysis or even a kidney transplant. Luckily, there are steps you can take now that may help, such as scheduling routine tests and asking your doctor about treatment options. Talk to your doctor to learn more about routine testing and treatment.

Learn more about their GET UNCOMFORTABLE campaign.