Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Georgia

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Thirty-One Faces of Hope: Charisma Atkinson

The lupus community includes people living with lupus, friends, family and supporters across Georgia. For Lupus Awareness Month, we would like to highlight some of our lupus heroes and champions.

Meet Charisma Atkinson

Hi, my name is Charisma Atkins from Decatur, GA and I have been living with Lupus for nearly 25 years. I was first diagnosed with Lupus SLE as a graduate student in 2001 but as I look back over my life, I feel like I started experiencing symptoms of joint and muscle stiffness at age 20. In 2006, I was officially diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis. This diagnosis gave me the inspiration I needed to get healthier, so I began exercising and taking my health more seriously.

While I continued to thrive in my career, relationships, and livelihood Lupus did not stop there. In 2021, I contracted COVID, and it completely damaged my kidney leading to dialysis. But in June of 2023 on Father’s Day, I received my transplant call, and I am forever grateful. This new lease on life reinvigorated my determination for a strong body and mind.

While Lupus and Kidney Disease will forever be a part of me, it does not consume my life. I earned my doctorate in Public Health and work as an Epidemiologist. I also love to travel, workout, and try new things. It’s important for me to continue to speak out about Lupus and the many faces of the disease. Bringing awareness to it will hopefully highlight the need for more research and federal dollars to develop more treatments for people of all races, ethnicities, and ages. Awareness will also help people understand the symptoms and inspire others living with it so that they too can thrive and survive with the disease.

I am a survivor, warrior and proud advocate for Lupus and Chronic Kidney Disease.

Sincerely,

Charisma Atkins

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsor

Choosing to prioritize your kidney health might be uncomfortable, but the reality is that up to 30% of people who live with lupus nephritis may experience kidney failure, which can lead to dialysis or even a kidney transplant. Luckily, there are steps you can take now that may help, such as scheduling routine tests and asking your doctor about treatment options. Talk to your doctor to learn more about routine testing and treatment.

Learn more about their GET UNCOMFORTABLE campaign.