THE 7TH ANNUAL FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES
Flight of the Butterflies is a lupus awareness campaign sharing stories of the brave lupus warriors. Many don’t understand lupus until they hear the walk of a warrior. Flight of the Butterflies is dedicated to sharing those stories in May for lupus awareness month.
Flight of the Butterfly Lori Heller
My name is Lori Heller, I was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 39 in the year 1999. It took almost 10 years for me to get a diagnosis. I have been managing my illness now for 20 years. I was also diagnosed with Antiphospholipid syndrome, anticardiolipin syndrome, vasculitis , Sjogrens, and Hashimotos thyroiditis. My lupus affects my brain mostly . I have had 4 strokes since my diagnosis. Lupus pneumonitis, and many episodes of where I cannot move my arms and legs and this will resolve in a couple of weeks. Now that I am 59 years old it is affecting my cognitive and memory . I am pretty much home bound at this point and need assistance getting out . I have to use a cane or a walker to walk long distances. I have tried all the immunosupressants and failed . I am currently on a long term dose of Prednisone which is helping. But will start weaning soon due the long term affects.
I am a single mom with 3 adult children, and 3 grandsons. I worked as a Nurse since 1981 caring for chronic ill seniors. I then worked in the insurance industry assisting patients with chronic illness get the appropriate medical care. I stopped working last year due to advancement of my Lupus. My Rheumatologist tells me that I have severe lupus at this time. I am fortunate that it does not involve my kidneys and heart at this time.
I recently started a facebook page Lori’s Lupus Journey to start with education and awareness of Lupus. Many people know the name of Lupus but do not know what it is.
Lupus In Color is excited to present Lori Heller’s story to the world. As a Lupus Warrior he/she is actively promoting lupus awareness and wearing the armor of strength in doing so.
Lupus In Color Salutes you Lori Heller . YOU ARE BRAVE, COURAGEOUS, AMAZING and STRONG TO SHARE YOUR STORY.
YOUR BUTTERFLY WINGS ARE FLUTTERING, YOUR CHIN IS UP, YOUR ARMS ARE EXTENDED AND YOUR CHEST IS OUT! FLY ON BUTTERFLY!
FLY ON!
PLEASE SHARE Lori Heller’s FLIGHT ON YOUR WALL AND START HER BUTTERFLY JOURNEY SPREADING LUPUS AWARENESS!
#LupusInColor #ButterfliesofHope #FlightoftheButterflies #Brave #Courageous #Strong #SpreadLupusAwareness