Trisha G. - Diagnosed at age 46

One year ago, I was given a name for something that had already begun changing my life: lupus SLE. At first, it felt like everything I knew about myself—my energy, my plans, even my sense of control—was slipping through my hands. And the reality of it has been anything but easy… the severe fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest, the gastrointestinal issues, painful mouth ulcers, unexpected skin breakouts, and the deep, aching joint pain. Some nights, the pain in my legs and arms is so intense it feels impossible to find comfort. There have been days filled with frustration, exhaustion, and uncertainty… days where I barely recognize the person staring back at me.

But here’s what I’ve learned in this year: healing is not a straight line. It’s a series of quiet decisions—to keep going, to try again, to believe that better days are still ahead even when today feels heavy.

I’ve tried different treatments, faced setbacks, and had to relearn what “normal” looks like for me. And maybe I’m not getting back to who I was before… maybe I’m becoming someone stronger, more aware, more resilient than I ever imagined.

The truth is, I couldn’t do this alone. Support has been everything. The people who listen, who show up, who remind me I’m still me on the hardest days—they are my strength when mine runs low.

So if you’re walking a similar road: don’t give up on yourself. Your pace is valid. Your fight is real. And even on the days it doesn’t feel like it, you are making progress.

This journey has tested me—but it has not broken me. I’m still here. Still fighting. Still hopeful. And that, in itself, is something to be proud of.