THE 8TH ANNUAL FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies of Hope Warrior Stories
Flight of the Butterflies, Butterflies of Hope Warrior Stories 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, Butterflies of Hope Warrior Stories is dedicated to sharing those stories in May for lupus awareness month.
Flight of the Butterfly Dr. Jessica Shadae Dowd
I am Dr. Jessica Shadae Dowd, RPh, and I currently live with two forms of Lupus, (SLE and Cutaneous). At the young age of 12, Lupus came barging into my life. Rashes and scars covered my face and I was losing weight quickly. Thankfully, an early diagnosis prevented permanent damage, but I was forced to quickly adjust to my new lifestyle. Honestly, I truly hated everything about this transition. I began a complicated medication regimen. I began to gain weight. I watched my parents painstakingly try to remember every medication, what it was for, when to give it to me, and the local community pharmacist was not helpful when my family had questions about them. My parents had no idea about how to raise a child with a chronic condition, but they did their best and I’m grateful for that. My experience influenced me to become a pharmacist so that I could help other patients and families like mine.
I have a post-graduate career goal of becoming a well-rounded clinician and leader, ultimately growing to become influential pharmacist. The stress of pharmacy school caused multiple flare ups. I consistently missed medication doses because of class or study schedules. Throughout my academic journey, I have faced, and have overcame, many obstacles. I didn’t let my condition obstruct my vision and goals. I strove to be a reliable pharmacist that went above and beyond for my patients and help them manage their chronic conditions. Through the tireless support of my mentors, family, and friends, and a beyond-grueling curriculum, in 2018, I became Dr. Jessica Shadae Dowd, a registered pharmacist in the state of Florida.
Furthermore, I recently started an Instagram page, @dowdvslupus, to share my experiences as a lupus warrior, and to promote uplifting and support individuals with Lupus or any autoimmune diseases.
Lupus In Color is excited to present Dr. Jessica Shadae Dowd’s story to the world. As a Lupus Warrior she is actively promoting lupus awareness and wearing the armor of strength in doing so.
Lupus In Color Salutes you Dr. Jessica Shadae Dowd. 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 Dr. Jessica Shadae Dowd’s FLIGHT ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES AND START HER BUTTERFLY JOURNEY SPREADING LUPUS AWARENESS!
#LupusInColor #ButterfliesofHope #FlightoftheButterflies #Brave #Courageous #Strong #SpreadLupusAwareness
