~Why I'm Here~ My main goal of being here is to spread Lupus awareness. It is amazing how many people who are still unaware of this disease. In the process of being here I have had the privilege of meeting some of the strongest, most dedicated and inspiring people that I have ever meet.....who happens to share in the same battle of living with Lupus. What an awesome job we have to spread the word, be living examples, and most importantly exercise our faith daily for complete healing!!~My Story~ I was diagnosed with Lupus in the summer of 2006 (at the age of 29) after many frustrating years of battling with extreme fatigue and joint and muscle discomfort. My life has dramatically changed since my diagnosis...some for the good....some not so good. However, I refuse to allow this illness to take over my life in a negative way. This disease has taught me to appreciate the little thing in life. I am now a much stronger person because of IT and EVERYDAY I am fighting to live my life to the fullest!! With the support of my family and my friends I am able to live a positive life despite of LUPUS!! I have decided to join in the fight with countless others to find a cure.~Facts About LUPUS~ Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue. Lupus can cause life-threatening damage to major organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart and central nervous system. It is the leading cause of death among women with autoimmune diseases who are in their childbearing years (ages 15-45). Women are five times more likely to die from lupus than men, and African Americans are three times more likely to die from lupus than Caucasians. Between 1979 and 1998 there was an approximate 70% increase in lupus deaths among middle-aged African American women.