Yashica W. - Diagnosed at age 17
I was young and just about to go off to college! Each day my senior year seemed challenging! I was so involved with my school activities and the social life! I began getting extremely tired and really felt my body was going through something I couldn’t explain to anyone! I thought it was just me overdoing things and stressing myself out because I needed to get through the year without feeling any pressure of being tired of trying to reach my major goals but during the daily process, I needed to rest constantly! It was not my norm and I knew again something was wrong!
Finally, I discussed how I was feeling to my mother and immediately took me to the doctor! I learned my discomfort was due to systematic lupus! We were not worried but more concerned about the diagnosis but the main thing was the next step of battling this illness!
Hurriedly, a medication regiment was recommended and my journey began with “I have lupus but it doesn’t have ME”! I started pushing myself even more because I had already planned my future and nothing was going to stop me from accomplishing my goals/dreams!
It’s been over 30 years since I was diagnosed and I’m still struggling with a lot of things while battling with this illness, but I will continue to work towards living well and enjoying LIFE! I’m a D.I.V.A (Divine Individual w/ Victorious Attitude)! God is working through me and with me! Prayer is my healing power! I execute different ways to deal with this illness but less stress and more rest makes it easier for me to deal the flares of the illness! I have been attacked by its effects being my heart and brain! I deal with the attack of my internal organs, dealing with a severe seizure disorder and heart disorder!
I had a heart attack in 2019 plus so many other complications but at this time-I have been in remission for three years! I’m currently on medication which truly gave me back my LIFE! I’m doing more than living but I feel better! I still have some things going on but I’m not complaining! I’m just believing and praying for JOY, and PEACE! My story is about me and sharing it is about US! Jesus Jesus Jesus- he will work it out for the GOOD- just BELIEVE!
I love myself and I love to see that I have made a difference in their lives and have put a smile on their faces. Never give up, never let it take you down. I ignore the pain and keep going even with all the medical conditions that I have.