Jackie L. - Diagnosed at age 19

I was diagnosed with lupus December 1987! I have been living with lupus for 35 years as of December 2022. My oldest daughter was about to turn one year old and I couldn’t do anything for her. My mother, who was my caretaker after my diagnosis, had become my daughters care taker as well! I had some struggles but I managed to keep pushing and I still fight daily to win my lupus battle. When I was diagnosed, myself or my family had never heard of this disease. I was in shock but I had an amazing Dr. I’ve had a stroke, knee replacement and I have to take injections and a number of other health issues dealing with this disease.

Now that I am older lupus is affecting my skin and definitely my bones! I became an advocate with the Lupus Foundation because I feel as though I can be a great help to young women and men. Throughout my years of living with this disease, I have helped so many young women who struggle when they get diagnosed. Just like myself, they think it’s a death sentence. I really want to do more and be more active in my city and on a national level when it comes to helping people by telling my story and just comforting them because a diagnosis is hard, when you don’t know what you are dealing with.