Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Georgia

Thirty-One Faces of Hope: LaToya Doby-Holmes

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. 

LaToya Doby-Holmes

My name is LaToya Doby-Holmes. I have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an autoimmune disease that I have been living with for 20 years. Lupus SLE can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Symptoms differ from person to person and can include fatigue, joint pain, rash, and fever. My symptoms include hair loss, fatigue, joint pain, memory loss, skin rashes, weight gain, headaches and sensitivity to light. Although there is no cure for lupus, I thank God for my amazing physicians who work diligently to control my symptoms and minimize flare-ups.

My journey with lupus has not been easy. This disease was unknown to me. In the beginning I was depressed and felt despairing because my knowledge was limited and all I knew was there was no cure. I have had days where my body has been racked with pain. There have been days that I couldn’t even raise my head. All I could do was call out to God to take away the pain and help me. After getting over the shock of my diagnosis, I started to educate and take care of myself so I could manage and live with lupus. 

I share my story to encourage others with lupus and raise awareness. Despite my challenges with lupus, I have realized that I am a “Lupie Warrior.” I am a true believer that God does not put more on you than you can bear. I am so honored and humbled by the love and support of my family and friends. They motivate and inspire me daily to keep fighting. This year they have encouraged me to be a bigger champion for lupus by being the Walk Chair for the 1st Augusta Walk to End Lupus Now on September 12, 2020. I hope that you will join me in Augusta to raise awareness and funds to combat lupus.

-LaToya Doby-Holmes