One summer, when I was in middle school, I went to band camp and met Chole -- a fellow French horn player from a different school. We quickly became best friends, and were all but inseparable from the moment we met. But not long before, she had been diagnosed with lupus. 

Chole and I remained best friends into adulthood. She was the maid of honor at my wedding. She was the first one at the hospital when my son was born. She helped us move from state-to-state during my husband’s early Air Force career.  She would often visit for months at a time to help with my autistic son. She really was an amazing person.

Lupus can have a devastating effect on the body's organs and having developed the disease at such a young age, Chole’s body was destroyed. She was on dialysis for a number of years, and even had a double kidney transplant. While the transplant was a success, she continued to need dialysis. Eventually, Chole’s heart became too weak and she passed away on December 17, 2009, at the age of 25. 

Each year, my husband and I give a portion of our Christmas bonuses to charity. Since it was the ten year anniversary of Chole's passing, it was no question to give the money to the Lupus Foundation of America who is doing amazing work to end this devastating disease so nobody has to go through what Chole did.

I love my best friend and will always cherish our memories together. 

Is there someone you want to honor or remember with a gift to the Lupus Foundation of America like Carrie did? Make a tribute gift today, and we’ll mail a note card about your donation.

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