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Thirty-One Faces of Hope: Detra Holloway, Columbus Walk Chair and Support Group Facilitator

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. 


Detra Holloway

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I was born on November 6, 1970 but in 2008 I started living a new life; A life with Lupus. My name is Detra Holloway and after seeing three different physicians I was officially diagnosed with Lupus on November 5, 2009. 

Having no knowledge of what Lupus was or how my life would be affected, I started my search on the Internet. In the midst of reading about facts of the disease and ways it can be treated, I found a gem. I discovered the Georgia Chapter of Lupus Foundation of America (LFA). Immediately I wanted to get involved and the next year, I did. I attended my first walk in Atlanta with five of my closest friends, had an amazing experience, but I wanted more. I wanted to play a bigger role in raising awareness and learning more about Lupus, so I reached out to more friends and hosted my first walk in 2011 at a local park with approximately 20 people. That was the beginning for me. I saw the potential to make this greater for Columbus so I established The Diamond Butterflies. 

For the past five years I have had the opportunity to meet remarkable people who lack the knowledge and or education about this chronic disease that I live with and one that could possibly be sitting on their doorstep. After prayer, acceptance and guidance from God I made a decision to be that voice for my local community. With the help of Teri Emond, I have become the local voice for Columbus and have reached many people whose lives have been touched or affected by Lupus. In July 2013, I started facilitating a monthly support group. I feel truly blessed to have Lupus because it has taken me on this amazing journey and I have learned the value of my health. My first prayer was for God to take away all my worries and doubt about Lupus. I made a decision not to worry about this chronic illness and for Him to use me as he saw fit. God saw fit to allow me this experience so that he could use me to inspire and motivate others. I am very thankful for his favor to be the local voice and bring awareness to Columbus. I have health issues but I choose to focus on the good despite my diagnosis by being happy and optimistic. Being available to help others with the monthly support group and hosting awareness events puts a smile on my face and has engraved a permanent smile in my heart.

On May 18, 2019 by the grace of God I hosted the 9th Annual Walk to End Lupus in Columbus Georgia. 

I am on a mission, no matter the highs or lows my heart and mind will remain humble, clear and mindful as I bring awareness and opportunity to my community about Lupus. I Detra Holloway pledge to accept this challenge from God to be strong and committed without becoming overwhelmed with the day to day responsibilities for taking care of my health, my family and ensuring that each year’s walk is a huge success. I am a daughter, a mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and more importantly a survivor.

- Detra Holloway