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 Quan’Tahnece Smith
Hello my name is Quan’Tahnece Smith. I was diagnosed with Lupus at 34 years old. I am currently dealing with multiple organ issues due to lupus. My lupus flare is currently in severe mode (heart, stomach, head, skin, muscles).
I am taking methotrexate, and preparing to receive infusion treatments, and IV treatments due to dehydration. I also suffer from a biliary bile duct injury, in which my common bile duct was damaged during a laparoscopic gallbladder procedure. My medical team saved my life.
Having the biliary injury makes having Lupus worse, especially with taking methotrexate. Many of my meals have to be puréed, or in smoothie form to not cause extreme stomach pain /vomiting.
My two children King Jo’Shaun-Robaire Smith & Prince Imannuel Tonio-Fernando Smith watch me suffer from Lupus daily, our lives have been forever changed.
My father retired NFL player Fernando Smith
created the Smith Helping Hands foundation, and the Flint Lupus Coalition program. He created the FLC program for people like myself , my mother LaTonya Poole who suffers from Lupus.
Lupus is hereditary for me, and unfortunately affects my mother brain tumor, her heart, blood cells, skin and other organs. My father Fernando Smith believes it is his duty to help other Flint Residents prevent late lupus diagnosis.
Smith Helping Hands team is excited to advocate for Flint Residents! Flint Lupus Coalition brings Awareness to the Flint Community by Advocate for Lupus Warriors. The Flint Lupus Coalition will help others learn about symptoms, treatments, and resources.
As I Learn to Live with Lupus, I Am Thankful For My Support System & Doctors! The Michigan Lupus Foundation , and The Lupus Foundation Of America has helped me connect with other Lupus Warriors in support groups, and allows me to receive education that truly assist with my lupus flares.
Autoimmune & Me by: Quan’tahnece Smith
Full capacity is where I long to be.
Running wild, chasing my kids, I want to live free.
Free from restrictions, free from resentment, free from needing reassurance.
One day I shall run again.
Without running out of breath, or muscle tension I can’t stand
Not being isolated to a bed, begging to remember life before pain began.
I long to be at full capacity, where I am free from suffering this autoimmune tragedy.
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
