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What the LFA, Lone Star Chapter Means to Me
Members, lupus patients and board members let us know why the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter means to them. read through and see if you feel inspired.
Have a story or quote to share? Send us an email at info@lupuslonestar.org. We would love to hear from you!
- Saundra Finley, Executive Director, Phi Chi Theta National Business Fraternity, 25 year Lupus Warrior
When I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE twenty-five years ago, the resources available were very limited. We didn’t have access to information on the internet like we do now.
I was feeling very lost and confused since I had never heard of Lupus. I just knew that I was in terrible pain and was feeling hopeless because my doctor told me, based on the severity of my symptoms, I has a life expectancy of maybe ten years.
The first thing I did was find a new doctor that didn’t write me off as a lost cause. Having a positive attitude and hope, while battling Lupus is critical. Also building a strong support system around you with trained professionals, family and friends.
Continue Reading!I was feeling very lost and confused since I had never heard of Lupus. I just knew that I was in terrible pain and was feeling hopeless because my doctor told me, based on the severity of my symptoms, I has a life expectancy of maybe ten years.
The first thing I did was find a new doctor that didn’t write me off as a lost cause. Having a positive attitude and hope, while battling Lupus is critical. Also building a strong support system around you with trained professionals, family and friends.
Carmethia Sanders - Board Member, Support Group Facilitator & Lupus Patient
• Hi, my name is Carmethia Sanders. My journey with lupus began in 1999. Little did I know, this rash on my face was not eczema? Over the years, I have experienced issues with my heart, joints, and lungs, which are some of the effects of having lupus.
Unlike most lupus patients, being diagnosed with SLE has not been a curse but a blessing. I have had the opportunity to grow as a person, coming out of my shell, which allowed me to meet others dealing with lupus of all ages. With the help of volunteers and staff members at the LFA, Lone Star Chapter provides various seminars and support groups. I have learned information that helps me manage my lupus daily. Lupus doesn’t have to define who you are. It’s up to you to take the hand your dealt and prove that you’re a fighter and win the war.
Unlike most lupus patients, being diagnosed with SLE has not been a curse but a blessing. I have had the opportunity to grow as a person, coming out of my shell, which allowed me to meet others dealing with lupus of all ages. With the help of volunteers and staff members at the LFA, Lone Star Chapter provides various seminars and support groups. I have learned information that helps me manage my lupus daily. Lupus doesn’t have to define who you are. It’s up to you to take the hand your dealt and prove that you’re a fighter and win the war.
Ashton Dougherty - Board Treasurer & Lupus Patient
• Being diagnosed with Lupus at 24 years old was something I didn't ask for. My life has been flipped upside down. Going from a promising career in Public accounting, to being diagnosed with Lupus Cerebritis. No one asks to have a chronic illness; however, I believe it's what you make of it that truly matters. That's why I wanted to join the Board of Directors for the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter. My life isn't where I thought it would be three years ago, but now it's so much more. I am passionate about helping others on their road to recovery. I want to help people on their journey and share my story with others to show that it's possible! Being part of the Foundation has given my sense of purpose back. I finally was able to meet people who really UNDERSTAND what I'm going through, a sense of community. I have never felt more at home and truly proud of the work I do here. I finally realized where I was meant to be.
Schanta Fields - Support Group Facilitator & Lupus Patient
“The Lupus Foundation of America has been a tremendous advocate to me. Since my diagnosis in 2016, the LFA "Lone Star Chapter" specifically has acted as a safe haven for my family and me. They have provided invaluable resources, a vast wealth of knowledge and exciting fundraiser events. Not to mention, the support groups are so AWESOME, I have gained an extended family throughout my journey!!!!”
Katherine Lilly - Support Group Facilitator & Lupus Patient
The Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter helped me find my voice and courage to get involved and become part of the advocacy work they do every day. The foundation brings awareness and visibility to a disease that is not visible. Thank you for helping me find my voice and for everything you do for the lupus community!!!!
Mallory Rhodes - Lupus Patient
"I'm thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn't have stumbled across my strength and met all the wonderful people/friends at the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter".
- Saundra Finley, Executive Director, Phi Chi Theta National Business Fraternity, 25 year Lupus Warrior
When I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE twenty-five years ago, the resources available were very limited. We didn’t have access to information on the internet like we do now.
I was feeling very lost and confused since I had never heard of Lupus. I just knew that I was in terrible pain and was feeling hopeless because my doctor told me, based on the severity of my symptoms, I has a life expectancy of maybe ten years.
The first thing I did was find a new doctor that didn’t write me off as a lost cause. Having a positive attitude and hope, while battling Lupus is critical. Also building a strong support system around you with trained professionals, family and friends.
Continue Reading!I was feeling very lost and confused since I had never heard of Lupus. I just knew that I was in terrible pain and was feeling hopeless because my doctor told me, based on the severity of my symptoms, I has a life expectancy of maybe ten years.
The first thing I did was find a new doctor that didn’t write me off as a lost cause. Having a positive attitude and hope, while battling Lupus is critical. Also building a strong support system around you with trained professionals, family and friends.
Carmethia Sanders - Board Member, Support Group Facilitator & Lupus Patient
• Hi, my name is Carmethia Sanders. My journey with lupus began in 1999. Little did I know, this rash on my face was not eczema? Over the years, I have experienced issues with my heart, joints, and lungs, which are some of the effects of having lupus.
Unlike most lupus patients, being diagnosed with SLE has not been a curse but a blessing. I have had the opportunity to grow as a person, coming out of my shell, which allowed me to meet others dealing with lupus of all ages. With the help of volunteers and staff members at the LFA, Lone Star Chapter provides various seminars and support groups. I have learned information that helps me manage my lupus daily. Lupus doesn’t have to define who you are. It’s up to you to take the hand your dealt and prove that you’re a fighter and win the war.
Unlike most lupus patients, being diagnosed with SLE has not been a curse but a blessing. I have had the opportunity to grow as a person, coming out of my shell, which allowed me to meet others dealing with lupus of all ages. With the help of volunteers and staff members at the LFA, Lone Star Chapter provides various seminars and support groups. I have learned information that helps me manage my lupus daily. Lupus doesn’t have to define who you are. It’s up to you to take the hand your dealt and prove that you’re a fighter and win the war.
Ashton Dougherty - Board Treasurer & Lupus Patient
• Being diagnosed with Lupus at 24 years old was something I didn't ask for. My life has been flipped upside down. Going from a promising career in Public accounting, to being diagnosed with Lupus Cerebritis. No one asks to have a chronic illness; however, I believe it's what you make of it that truly matters. That's why I wanted to join the Board of Directors for the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter. My life isn't where I thought it would be three years ago, but now it's so much more. I am passionate about helping others on their road to recovery. I want to help people on their journey and share my story with others to show that it's possible! Being part of the Foundation has given my sense of purpose back. I finally was able to meet people who really UNDERSTAND what I'm going through, a sense of community. I have never felt more at home and truly proud of the work I do here. I finally realized where I was meant to be.
Schanta Fields - Support Group Facilitator & Lupus Patient
“The Lupus Foundation of America has been a tremendous advocate to me. Since my diagnosis in 2016, the LFA "Lone Star Chapter" specifically has acted as a safe haven for my family and me. They have provided invaluable resources, a vast wealth of knowledge and exciting fundraiser events. Not to mention, the support groups are so AWESOME, I have gained an extended family throughout my journey!!!!”
Katherine Lilly - Support Group Facilitator & Lupus Patient
The Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter helped me find my voice and courage to get involved and become part of the advocacy work they do every day. The foundation brings awareness and visibility to a disease that is not visible. Thank you for helping me find my voice and for everything you do for the lupus community!!!!
Mallory Rhodes - Lupus Patient
"I'm thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn't have stumbled across my strength and met all the wonderful people/friends at the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter".
- Saundra Finley, Executive Director, Phi Chi Theta National Business Fraternity, 25 year Lupus Warrior
When I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE twenty-five years ago, the resources available were very limited. We didn’t have access to information on the internet like we do now.
I was feeling very lost and confused since I had never heard of Lupus. I just knew that I was in terrible pain and was feeling hopeless because my doctor told me, based on the severity of my symptoms, I has a life expectancy of maybe ten years.
The first thing I did was find a new doctor that didn’t write me off as a lost cause. Having a positive attitude and hope, while battling Lupus is critical. Also building a strong support system around you with trained professionals, family and friends.
Continue Reading!I was feeling very lost and confused since I had never heard of Lupus. I just knew that I was in terrible pain and was feeling hopeless because my doctor told me, based on the severity of my symptoms, I has a life expectancy of maybe ten years.
The first thing I did was find a new doctor that didn’t write me off as a lost cause. Having a positive attitude and hope, while battling Lupus is critical. Also building a strong support system around you with trained professionals, family and friends.
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