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 Lauren Green
Childhood Battle of the Beast
As a child, I enjoyed bike riding, swimming, and being outside in nature. In 1993, at age 6, I was diagnosed with lupus (SLE), with symptoms of joint pain, leg rash, and a 105 temperature. What did a 6 year old know about lupus in 1993? Absolutely nothing! All I knew is that I had to swallow distasteful liquid each day, known as Prednisone. The rheumatologist that I was seeing as a child copied two black and white pages from an encyclopedia, then handed it to my parents to read. There was barely any information or resources about lupus back then. The Lupus Foundation did not exist in Georgia; it was the Arthritis Foundation at first.
As a child, lupus bothered the joints of my ankles, feet, and fingers. I participated in sports and extracurricular activities at a very young age to help my bones. Softball games, swimming, piano recitals, and violin concerts kept me busy and focused as a child. Despite lupus at a young age, I had a very active childhood. However, I never focused too much on “having lupus.” I was busy living life as a high school teenager.
At age 16 my 1st flare up caused high blood pressure leaving me hospitalized in ICU for 7 days. I recovered and stayed in remission for 8 years until the beast struck again in 2012. Lupus attacked my kidneys causing kidney failure, which led to the unthinkable – dialysis. Even though I dialyzed 3 times a week for 3 hours, I did not become discouraged. I knew sooner or later that the sun would shine again once the storm was over. After 9 long months of dialysis and 12 months of chemotherapy, miraculously my kidneys regained function. At age 32, I currently focus more on living a proactive lifestyle by healthy eating, exercising, and helping others. I partake in yoga, stretching, and deep breathing. During my spare time, I take pride in volunteering at the Lupus Foundation and with a nursing organization that provides patient care and education to the uninsured population.
I would like for others to know that they are a strong individual that will do great things in life. Continue to have faith and always be thankful for each day. To the younger children with lupus; your future is bright regardless of this cruel disease. Do not let lupus put “limits” on your life. To the parents of young children: it takes a lot of strength, patience, and understanding to deal with lupus as a parent, but it takes a special kind of strength to battle lupus as a child. To all lupus warriors; do not allow lupus to define who you are as a person. Lupus is a fraction of your life. It does not consume WHO you are! Don’t hold yourself hostage. Redirect your attention to positivity. Waking up each day gives me hope, knowing that I’m capable!
Butterfly Champion,
Lauren Green
Lupus In Color is excited to present Lauren Green’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 Lauren Green. 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 Lauren Green’s FLIGHT ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES AND START HER BUTTERFLY JOURNEY SPREADING LUPUS AWARENESS!
#LupusInColor #ButterfliesofHope #FlightoftheButterflies #Brave #Courageous #Strong #SpreadLupusAwareness
