How Team Make Your Mark Saved My Life
This profile is part of a series highlighting people who are participating in the Team Make Your Mark program. Join us in May for the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego 5K, Half Marathon, or Marathon, or join the Choose Your Own Race team to run or walk in any race or distance you prefer. For more information, please visit www.lupus.org/teammakeyourmark.
Sharon started noticing symptoms in her early 30s while working as an executive administrator in Silicon Valley. After not feeling well for quite some time, Sharon’s sister who has lupus told her to go to a rheumatologist. Fast-forward 22 years and Sharon’s lupus journey has been filled with ups and downs.
“You learn how to live with lupus better,” Sharon shared. “Finding positivity has always been my saving grace.”
Sharon has been involved with the Lupus Foundation of America for years, but when she received an email about Team Make Your Mark™, she knew she was ready to do something to challenge herself and feel accomplished.
“Joining Team Make Your Mark is saving my life. I am a person who does things, and lupus has affected that. Team Make Your Mark has given me a purpose,” shared Sharon. “I did the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego 5K for my birthday, but also for my son who was recently diagnosed with lupus.”
Shortly after signing up to walk the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego 5K with Team Make Your Mark, Sharon’s daughter decided to join her by her side – fundraising and motivating her mom to get ready for the race. Sharon trained by walking in the pool to minimize impact on her joints and she fundraised by sharing her story with friends and family.
“Race day was hard, but I knew I could do it. Stacey, the Team Make Your Mark program manager, even came back to walk with me after ensuring our other teammates were okay!”
Sharon has made friendships that will last forever thanks to Team Make Your Mark. And, she is already signed up to walk the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego 5K with Team Make Your Mark again this May. She says that this year she is fearless and has big goals to beat her fundraising from last year!
Interested in joining Sharon in San Diego or at a race in your area? Learn more about Team Make Your Mark or contact Stacey Clark at clark@lupus.org.