Zunaira M. - Diagnosed at age 18

Hi, my name is Zunaira and I am an architect by profession and a self taught children's book artist. I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 18, right when I was about to start my undergraduate degree. Lupus affected my life badly. I've been on corticosteroids and immuno suppressants for 8 years now and it has made my hair thin and frizzy, my skin looks grey, my blood levels have reduced, the pain in my joints keep flaring up but I am delighted to share that I didn’t let lupus get in my way of enjoying my life and achieving my goals.

I completed my B.Architecture degree with a gold medal and many other awards. I secured a good job at a leading architectural firm in my capital and also became a traditional children's book artist. To date I have painted 12 children's books and I love doing both my jobs.

Living with lupus is hard but let's keep fighting and never lose hope. Wish you all the best.