Lessie J. - Diagnosed at age 14
I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) the summer before the start of my freshman year of high school. It was a big change for me. The steroids changed my body so much that no one recognized me. As the years passed, it got worse and I started having unexplained seizures, was diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) lupus and began taking chemotherapy. After four years of chemotherapy, I finally started taking control of my life. For two years, I’ve been in full remission, and my body has returned to the way it was before. I feel better than ever. My plan now is to be the first lupus patient to live on a boat and sail the world. I’m hoping I can gain support and knowledge from everyone in the group to help me with my experience!