Providing Answers, Support and Hope in the Southeastern US

I am a fun loving, free spirited, God-Fearing Wife, Step-Mom, Fur Mom, Lupus Warrior that resides in Polk County/Central Florida. Diagnosed with SLE in June of 2009 changed my life medically however, I gained a positive outlook and learned to live life to the fullest. I love to see people smile, and I will always strive to be the one to put a smile on the faces that I see from day to day. So no matter your situation, always put your best foot forward, live your life and be the best YOU authentically!

I enjoy helping lupus patients like me, by being their voice and listening to their concerns—just helping them find ways to cope with lupus. The most important reason is that they are my family now.

I am a caregiver for my wife. I have observed her struggles with lupus, and I will do most anything to help others similarly afflicted.

I like being a group facilitator because I love to help people. As a person with lupus, I understand what others are going through; I lead so we can all help each other navigate this disease.

I like being a facilitator to help others, especially when they are most vulnerable, scared, or worried. I can apply my many life “adventures” of living daily with lupus and my experiences in the corporate world, family life, and my own personal journey.

I love being an LFA Support Group facilitator because it allows me to help people from all stages of their lupus diagnosis. I love to see the progress and growth as they become their own advocates. We’ve even become family.

I have been living with lupus since the age of 9 and was diagnosed at 12. I am passionate about lupus awareness and helping support others living with lupus, especially the newly diagnosed. I am interested in lupus research and want to pursue a career as a pediatric rheumatologist. In my free time I enjoy listening to music, especially Latin genres such as salsa and bachata, dancing, and going for nature walks.

Brianna is the daughter of a lupus warrior and began her own autoimmune journey at 15 years old. She is a poetry master’s student at Johns Hopkins University; a long-time LFA, Florida Chapter event photographer, speaker, and volunteer; a hiking enthusiast; and (according to her dog) a top-notch fetch partner. What’s a chronic illness when you’re already staring down the challenges of being a twenty-something? With the Lupus Crew, she hopes to create a safe and welcoming space for other young people touched by this disease.

Lupus Warrior since May 1998, Mother of 4-year-old, Ambassador for Southeast Region Chapter and support group facilitator. I love sewing, arts & crafts, camping, gardening, and educating those around me about lupus.

I've spent most of my life in Florida, enjoying my work as an environmental scientist for the last 15+ years. I am a single mom to the most amazing kid in the world (I know, I'm biased). I love playing the piano, flute, and guitar, visiting Florida's beautiful parks and beaches, and spending time with family. My whole life changed when soon after the pandemic I was diagnosed with another autoimmune disease (SLE) that I knew nothing about. Though I had the full support of my family, I still felt terribly alone in my diagnosis and what it meant to live with lupus, especially in a pandemic. There were just things that family and friends didn't understand. While doing online research about this disease, I found the LFA website and information about my local support group. I realized from the first meeting I've found a great group of strong individuals who knew exactly what I was going through. I feel blessed to be involved with an amazing support group!

I’ve had a challenging journey since being diagnosis with SLE lupus in 2014. Despite the difficulties I have faced, living with lupus has been a daily battle, both physically and emotional. Living with lupus has demanded daily adjustments in my everyday life. I am continuously learning how to manage my symptoms through medication, rest, and self-care practices. Navigating the challenges of lupus has taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of self-advocacy. . My focus is to inspire others with my strength and resilience. My journey with lupus is a testament that no matter what my situation may be, I will continue to embrace my journey with courage and determination.

I enjoy been an advocate for spreading awareness for lupus. I'm a 17-year survivor still fighting this unwanted disease. My main focus is too spread awareness and support others. Also to help advocate and pray to help come up with ways to deal with this disease.

Hello, my name is Latoyia Cottingham. I'm a Lupus Facilitator for the Sylacauga Support Group of Alabama. I have been dealing with Lupus since I was diagnosed in 2009. I love spreading Lupus Awareness!

My name is Evelyn Pelt. I have been a member of the local Tuscaloosa, Alabama lupus support group for about 1 and a half. I am a lupus warrior; I was diagnosed about 16 years ago. I do enjoy in my leisure to read, cook and travel.