Precious B. - Diagnosed at age 50
For almost 30 years, I was a beloved elementary art teacher, touching the lives of hundreds of students each week. I poured my heart into nurturing young minds and fueling their passions - it was my greatest joy. I was a strong advocate for public education during this time lobbying at my local and state levels as well as Capitol Hill, but in 2015, my world turned upside down when my health suddenly spiraled out of control.
What started as a persistent sinus infection that lasted a year and a half, quickly snowballed into a devastating series of mysterious symptoms. Debilitating fatigue, uncontrollable vomiting, relentless joint pain, and increasingly severe gastrointestinal issues made even basic daily tasks a monumental struggle. Despite endless tests and appointments with doctor after doctor, no one could pinpoint the cause.
At the height of my health crisis in 2022, I was finally diagnosed with lupus - an autoimmune disease that I'd been living with, unaware, for years. The relief of finally having answers was quickly eclipsed by the harsh reality of my new "normal." My beloved teaching career, which had been my life's passion, had to come to an early end.
In the wake of this devastating transition, I found myself searching for a glimmer of hope. That's when I rediscovered my lifelong love of painting. Creating art has become a source of joy, peace, and empowerment amidst the unpredictability of my health challenges. With each brushstroke, I pour my heart into expressing the full spectrum of my experience - the good, the bad, and the uncertain.
Although my future remains shrouded in uncertainty, I choose to face each day with gratitude and optimism. The unwavering love and support of my husband keeps me believing in the possibility of a long, fulfilling life together. And I remain determined to raise awareness about the invisible struggles of those living with chronic illnesses like lupus. You can't see the pain we carry, but it affects us profoundly.
This is my story - one of resilience, creativity, and the power of choosing hope, even in the darkest of times. I may have lost my first great love, but I've discovered another that fills me with purpose. And I know that with each passing day, I'm getting stronger, braver, and more determined than ever before.