Providing Answers, Support and Hope in the Southeastern US

I was diagnosed with Lupus at age 31, now 60 been fighting all this time. I am a lupus support group facilitator for 2 groups. Widowed at age 59.

Carla Drakes Hamlett, Born in Panama, Republic of Panama. Been living in the US for the last 36 years Miami, Florida. Divorce. Ex Military wife was station Fort Clayton Panama, Fort Campbell Kentucky. Mother of two young oldest men Patrick & Denzel. Caregiver of my Mother Annette, have one sister Gina, two bothers Rolando & Ezra, my younger brother Ezra passed away 8 years ago! I have three niece's and seven nephews, three grandnieces and two grandnephews. I work at Miami Dade Water a& Sewer Department; I am Communication Support Specialist for the last 24 years. I have been a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant for the last five years. I love helping people and I enjoy living!

Christina McGuirk has lived with SLE for the past 27-28 years. In this time, she has professionally grown in the nursing field and today is a Chief Nursing Officer of an acute care hospital. Christina has continued her academic learning over the years and recently graduated with her DNP in Nursing Executive Leadership at the University of Central Florida. She has been active in participating in raising awareness and funding for new treatments through the annual lupus walk. Her goal remains to thrive with lupus and assist others in doing so as well.

am a Florida native and have been a pediatric lupus patient since the age of 9. I grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. I attended the University of Florida in Gainesville and graduated with a degree in biochemistry in 2015. I am currently in my final year of medical school at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. I will be starting pediatrics residency next year and will eventually become a pediatric rheumatologist.
I serve as a support group facilitator, am a member of the Lupus Research Action Network, and participate in other advocacy events to promote lupus awareness. I have been involved in lupus awareness endeavors since I was 17. I contribute to lupus research as both a patient and a researcher. I enjoy lupus advocacy work because it allows me to network with other lupus warriors as we support each other in the face of this chronic and debilitating disease.
In my free time, I enjoy gardening in my community garden plot in Baltimore, salsa dancing, listening to Nigerian music, attending concerts, and reading.

I am a wife, mother, daughter. I have worked for the Baldwin County Board of Education for 22 years. I love to bake gluten free items in my spare time. Antiquing is something that my family enjoys doing together. We love to travel and fist new places. Kayaking and spending time outside is something that I love. I am an advocate for lupus and want to help others with their journey.

Cooking and Baking: Trying out new recipes, experimenting with ingredients, and creating delicious dishes: Yoga and Meditation: Dancing: Hiking and Nature Walks.

I was diagnosed with lupus in 2016 But it was unclear on my diagnosis. I have had 20 surgeries most all in my abdomen and most dealing with my intestines. I have been in and out of the hospital and I tried to continue to encourage people not to give up even in the pain and suffering. I love meeting ppl and I am always willing to help anyone!