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.
My battle with systemic lupus began in the year 2000. For 26 years now, lupus and I have been “living together” — sometimes it challenges me, and sometimes I push back against it. I was only 17 years old when it all started.
Lupus affected my joints and my blood, leading to hemolytic anemia. I have been on corticosteroids for 26 years, without a single day of pause. For a long time, I was on Imuran, but the therapy was stopped when I started planning a pregnancy.
Along this journey, I have been through a lot — two ectopic pregnancies that resulted in the removal of both fallopian tubes, and six unsuccessful IVF attempts. These are experiences that leave a mark, but they did not break me.
Changes in the weather affect me greatly — that’s when my joints swell and the pain begins, sometimes to the point where I need a few minutes just to gather the strength to stand up and take a few steps. Still, despite everything, I have never allowed lupus to defeat me.
There are difficult days.
There are difficult days. At times, I experience short periods of sadness, because something I once deeply wished for was taken from me. But even then, I remind myself of my strength and everything I have already overcome.
Recently, my immunologist advised me to change my diet and introduce an anti-inflammatory way of eating, which helps reduce inflammation in the body. Since my antibodies are currently elevated and my lupus is somewhat active again, I see this as a new step in my journey.
Because this is not just a story about illness — it is a story about resilience, strength, and the daily choice not to give up.
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
