In 1978, at the age of seventeen, I was diagnosed with Lupus. I was beginning my sophomore year at the University of Northern Colorado. While attending school, I begin having arthritis -like symptoms in my joints and the changing of pigmentation of my skin across my nose and cheeks. Later, I found out that these are symptomatic characteristics of the disease. At age 17, I remember walking into the doctors office and him looking at me. Without any examination or question, he said, "You have Lupus." I burst into tears. Having no knowledge of this disease , I was terrified. In response to my crying , this was his reply. "It's just like the little man who shook his fist at the cloud because it rained." I didn't understand the phrase for some time, but in later years, as the Lupus progressed, I knew very well what it meant; I had no control over the disease and I pretty much had to deal with it .

I was placed on steroids for a short time, and did very well. It wasn't until 1983 when I gave birth to my Son that my life took a drastic turn for the worse. I began to have flare-up after flare-up, and I felt like I was on a rollercoaster nightmare. I spent days, weeks and months at a time in and out of the hospital, from the time my son was born born thru to my adult years. Many of the hospital stays were unpredictable, as far as my destiny; Will I pull through this time, or is this it.

I suffered from high blood pressure and kidney failure, and in 1998 I began with my journey on the kidney dialysis machine. This journey lasted for five and one half years before the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to receive a kidney transplant.  Having four brothers was a blessing in itself. Each of my brothers were tested, however not all were a match for me. My brother Steve, who was living in Tacoma at the time, got involved. Steve and I jumped through many hoops to get the testing done. Steve was a perfect match for me. On November 20, 2003 I received a kidney transplant from my brother. Again, my life changed. The Lord blessed me, and gave me another chance at life.

I have lived a healthier life thus far. My journey with Lupus has had many ups and downs. I have become a stronger woman because of the adversities and struggles I have been through. My life has been a testimony to others in that , no matter what you are going through, be strong, value the life you have been dealt and put up your best SPIRITUAL fight. Pray and trust in God