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 T’Neil White
My name is T’neil, and I have been on this journey for the past 14 years. I remember being constantly sick and exhausted, but when I lived in New York, doctors were never able to identify the problem despite numerous ER visits. I was never referred to a specialist, and eventually my family began to think it was all in my head.
In 2012, I got married and moved to Virginia to complete my degree and start my life as a newlywed. Within the first three months, I became extremely ill and found myself back in the ER—again. Fortunately, during one of my visits, an ER physician who remembered me, suggested I see a rheumatologist and get an ANA panel done. He said, “I think you might have lupus, but it can’t be diagnosed in the ER. Go see a specialist, and get tested—you’ll get the care you need.” That moment brought relief but also fear. I didn’t know what lupus meant for me or why I had to endure so much suffering.
I remember the day of my interview at SunTrust Bank; I got the job on the spot. As I was walking to my car, I received a voicemail from the rheumatologist I had seen earlier that week. My test results were positive for lupus. I still remember the physician’s words in that voicemail: “It’s not a death sentence.” Those words have stayed with me for the past 14 years.
Despite everything, I continued living, finishing my degree, and even welcoming my son five years ago. I suffer from SLE and Lupus Nephritis, and unfortunately, complications related to childbirth have damaged my kidneys.Over the past four years, I’ve faced renal failure and am now on dialysis. Nephrologists told me that having any children would be a mistake, but I let God be the final decision-maker.
It took nine years to conceive my son, but he is thriving. He knows how to support me when I’m not feeling well and is learning empathy at an early age.
My story isn’t over.
I use my dialysis time to study and complete my assignments, so I’m always available for my son when I’m home. I’m scheduled to graduate with my Bachelor of Social Work in December 2026—delayed, but not denied. I continue dialysis while seeking a donor, hopeful that within the next year, I will receive a transplant, as I am on the transplant list. Until then, I will pursue a master’s degree in social work and eventually a PhD.
I am grateful that I can use both my medical and professional experiences to support and advocate for others like me.
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
