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 Waleska Camacho De Ortiz
My name is Waleska Camacho. I was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. At the age of 8 my family moved to Chicago, IL. I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE in September 2008, and I have lived with it for almost 18 years.
My journey with Lupus began after losing my second baby on August 29, 2008. Before Lupus my life was very ongoing. Before I found out I had Lupus, I was very active and stable with my life. My life has changed a lot since my diagnosis. I usually go to different doctor’s appointments or to the emergency room due to flare ups or being sick with influenza. I have had a lot of ups and downs, I lost 3 babies due to lupus, therefore I was informed by my doctor that I am unable to get pregnant.
The doctors explained to me that unfortunately I cannot carry a baby in full term due to a clotting disorder in my blood. I take Hydroxychloroquine two times a day and do Benlysta infusion monthly to help with my lupus symptoms.
My bones and joints, weight and back have been affected lately. On April 23, 2025, I had an injury on my left knee, which later was diagnosed as a meniscus root tear. And today I continue fighting the good fight, on March of this year I injured my right knee, which later turned out to be a meniscus root tear as well. I was admitted recently for 2 days and while in the hospital I was diagnosed with BVVP (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).
Yes, it has been rough for me, but I will continue with this fight because even through the hardest storms, I rise with strength unbroken; my pain transforms into purpose.
My biggest challenge with Lupus has been the continuous medication changes, my weight, and the fear of not being accepted by people around me. The challenge of not being able to conceive has triggered me the most. God has given me the strength to keep going, he has blessed me and kept me from so many situations in my life. I have found grace, mercy and discernment through Gods word, my Pastors and my friends from church. Through my journey I have met so many good people that have lifted my soul and mind.
What helps me to heal and find joy in my Lupus journey is my faith in God, my husband and my family. Writing has also helped me heal and learn to cope with my journey, I started writing books in 2024 and with Gods help I am now an author of two books. On these books I talk about my life and how I learned about my lupus diagnosis.
My advice to anyone that has just been recently diagnosed with Lupus, I encourage you to keep going because this journey is not for death but to remember the mighty works of God and how strong we are.
Today I am stronger, I continue to manage Lupus with faith, medical care, and strong family support.
I’m a Lupus survivor and I share my story to give you hope and support.
To anyone fighting Lupus: YOU ARE IN THE FIGHT OF YOUR LIFE AND YOU ARE GOING TO WIN
~WE ARE STRONGER THAN LUPUS, WE ARE WARRIORS~
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
