Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Georgia

Thirty-One Faces of Hope: Tristan Depalobos

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. 

Tristan Depalobos

I am Tristan Iris V. Depalobos, 39 years of age, married for 11 years now and a resident of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in August of 2007. Before I got diagnosed, I was living a healthy and active lifestyle, enjoying each day I could until lupus happened to me. About 2 months before my diagnosis, I had been feeling constantly ill with fever and joint pains. 

Like any young adult, I would just take a pill or two of fever reducer then I got back to my daily routine. In August of 2007, I just found myself so ill that I could not even get out of my bed. I told my mom I couldn't hold on anymore and that I needed to go to the emergency room. My mom rushed me to the hospital where I stayed for days undergoing a lot of tests and medications not knowing what was happening.

It was a horrible and challenging experience and then my doctor broke the unfortunate news that I had lupus! With the help of my doctors, I educated myself of how to keep myself healthy to avoid flares. More so, I am fortunate to be surrounded by people that love me which keeps me strong as well. 

Since my diagnosis, I see my doctors regularly and constantly take my maintenance medications to keep myself healthy. Despite my constant effort to stay healthy, lupus finds ways to test me. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2012. Then in 2013, I had pericarditis. Most recently in January of 2020 I had deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism. However, lupus will not stop me from living! I will continue to fight not just for myself but for all the people I love. 

-Tristan Depalobos