14th Annual Flight of the Butterflies- Butterflies of Hope Lupus Warrior Stories is a powerful celebration of strength, survival, and spirit. Through the eyes and hearts of lupus warriors, we share stories that often go unseen. Stories of pain, resilience, and triumph! These butterflies may have been battered by the storm, but they continue to rise, wings open, ready to soar.
At Lupus In Color, we honor each journey as a flight of courage and beauty, reminding the world that even in the midst of lupus, warriors still fly.
Flight of the Butterflies
Lupus Warrior Denisha Streeter
Lupus was first mentioned as a possible cause of my temporary paralysis in 2009, shortly after the birth of my daughter, Mia. After years of on-and-off symptoms and periods of remission, things changed. Since 2016, lupus has remained active—and it has been relentless. It has affected nearly every part of my body: my skin, joints, lungs, eyes, muscles, nerves, brain, and kidneys. Along the way, I’ve also faced ongoing mental health challenges and battled endometrial cancer connected to this disease.
And yet, I keep going.
I am a wife, a mother, a full-time middle school teacher, and a restaurant owner. There are days when I simply cannot function in any of those roles. But most days, I push through.
I mask the pain, put on my compression gear and skin protection, and keep moving—until my body forces me to stop in a flare. I’m learning, day by day, how to better prevent that crash.
I’ve had to become a student of my own body.
I keep a journal and a detailed calendar to track symptoms, appointments, and responsibilities. I’m learning to speak up more—at home and at work—and allow others to help me. That hasn’t been easy.
Even my wardrobe is intentional now. Soft, lightweight, layered pieces help me adjust to constant changes in temperature and discomfort. Hats help protect my scalp from UV exposure. My daily routine includes preparing for tomorrow—because I’ve learned that waiting “until later” is not always an option my body will allow.
People are becoming more understanding of lupus and how it affects my life. I choose to be transparent about my journey because I want others—especially those newly diagnosed—to know they are not alone. I want fewer people to feel confused, isolated, or hopeless. Awareness is a powerful part of my fight.
This disease doesn’t just affect me—it affects my family. It’s hard for them to watch me hurt. They want to fix it, to comfort me, but lupus doesn’t always allow that. Even a hug—something so simple—can be painful. Sometimes, the smallest touch can make me cringe.
On the days when I’m stuck in bed, I read. I love getting lost in a good story—it brings comfort when my body won’t cooperate.
I’ve learned that life with lupus is about balance.
I’ve shifted my mindset to look forward to the good moments instead of dwelling on the hard days or weeks.
God has blessed me with an incredible village. They keep me lifted, covered in love and prayer. I do not take that for granted.
The advocacy work and support groups I’m part of have also been life-changing. Being in spaces with people who truly understand—who feel what I feel—has been critical to my healing.
I am still here. I am still fighting. And I am committed to using my voice to raise awareness and bring hope to others walking this same path.
Lupus In Color Salutes you !
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 THIS FLIGHT ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND START THE BUTTERFLY JOURNEY SPREADING LUPUS AWARENESS!
#lupusincolor #flightofthebutterflies #lupuswarriors #butterfliesofhope
