Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey

Remembering Monica Watson

A note from Molly Skalina, Board Chair of the Lupus Foundation of America, Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter:

Earlier this week, we lost a beloved member of our community, Monica Watson. Monica was a long-standing volunteer, support group facilitator, board member, and very dear friend of mine. 

I met Monica soon after my lupus diagnosis. Monica had the ability to network unlike anyone I have ever encountered. She quickly secured me to do a presentation for the Penn support group. Little did I know, this was really a ploy to get me to join the group as a member, and of course it worked. 

Anyone that knows Monica is well aware that she can get anyone talking about themselves, but seldom shared much personal information about herself. Still somehow I felt deeply connected to her. 

Monica and I shared some amazing experiences together. But there are a couple in particular that truly show who she was as a person. Annually we both always volunteered to staff the Tri-State Chapter informational booth at the Pennsylvania Women's Conference. I knew that we both volunteered for this particular event because we felt empowered to be around so many inspiring women. Monica loved attending seminars and was someone who never stopped learning. Of course, by the end of the day Monica always had a bag full of goodies that she had secured to bring to the next support group meeting. 

There was also the time that we went to the LFA National Gala in New York. Of course, Monica wore a suit, I rarely saw her without one, even at the Lupus Loop walk/run she often wore a blazer. It’s one of the few occasions on which Monica agreed to have her picture taken. 

After finding out that Monica was hospitalized, I went to see what my last conversation was with her. The last message that Monica sent me ended with “I am just so happy for you!” That message couldn’t be more fitting. I have never known someone to be such a good confidant, friend, and motivator. 

I share these sentiments with you all because I know that I am not alone. These stories are just examples of how Monica was with everyone she encountered. As we all grieve her loss, let’s come together to remember all of the wonderful times we shared. 

I also find it important to acknowledge that as someone who is also diagnosed with lupus, Monica’s passing is especially hard. It is an unwelcome reminder that this disease may ultimately take me or others that I love who are living with lupus. These are complex emotions and if you are feeling them too, I want you to know that you are not alone. If you need support, please reach out to the office, or to me personally. 

Monica, may your memory be a blessing.

-Molly Skalina, Board Chair