Providing Answers, Support and Hope in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey
Sandra Pabon's Lupus Journey
Experience Sandra's incredible journey battling Lupus and Pulmonary Fibrosis, from the devastation of diagnosis to the life-saving lung transplant that challenged her resilience. Join her in advocating for Lupus research and awareness, as she cherishes the gift of time with her family and continues to hope for a cure.
![Sandra Pabon](/sites/default/files/styles/embed_left_right/public/media/images/Sandra%20-%20WW.png?itok=ahpQXCRx)
I’ve had Lupus since 2013 and my lupus has been aggressive from the beginning. Two years in, I started developing lung issues. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a progressive lung disease with no cure, and an average life expectancy of 5 years. I was devastated. I’m a wife and mother of 4 children. I was soon living on oxygen while I waited for my time to end or a lung transplant which was my only chance to live. After 5 years, I finally received a call, “We have a lung”, not an exact match but the closest we’d gotten.
We decided to risk it and after 12 hours of surgery, the new lung was rejecting my body. It didn’t look good. My family was notified. I was put on an ECMO machine, and life support, and put back on the transplant list. I was sedated for about three long months when suddenly that same lung started connecting.
When I woke up it was to realize that I was paralyzed. My body forgot how to move.
And so came the long journey to learn how to walk and talk.
My husband walked in with me that first day for the transplant and stood by my side (literally) until we walked out together over six months later. I am so grateful for him and all the surgeons, staff, and especially the donors. I am so thankful to have more time with my children.
I pray every day for a cure, so no one has to endure the journey I’ve been through.
Research needs to be done, A cure for lupus needs to be found, because my journey may not be done. I don’t know what Lupus has for me still.
Whether you’re fighting lupus or supporting someone who is, your story matters. Join us in building a stronger lupus community across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey.