What is Lupus (In Memory of my Sister)

In Memory of Lisa Hurt, my sister

Every year during the holidays, I think about my older sister who passed away December 12, 2006.  I miss her dearly and there isn't a day that goes by when I want to call her and realize that she is not among us physically.  Then I get a enjoyment of her laughter and witty sense of humor.  Lisa and I were close and had a lot in common.  Besides sharing a father and three other siblings we also were fighting our illness together, Lupus. 

What Is Lupus?  (taken from www.lupus.org)

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

• Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
• Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.
• Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.
• Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
• Our research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.
• It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
• Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
• People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
• More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.

Watch video of the Faces of Lupus.....

Lisa may have lost her life to this disease but I am still here fighting the war.  I live with Lupus and I will overcome the struggles when they arise.  God didn't give me a spirit of fear so why should I live with the fear of an illness.  I miss the many friends and yes my sister who have succumb to this but I have many more friends and a mother still striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  If you have any questions or concern about Lupus please visit www.lupus.org for more information.  If you think you may have Lupus please visit a doctor for an ANA blood test. 

Keep fighting the fight because the battle is not yours, it's the Lord!

Sincerely,