I have to admit Lupus is a disease I was not always familiar with. I knew it impacted the autoimmune system, but was unaware of the actual effects it had on a person. Let’s just say I knew someone, who knew someone who had the disease personally until 2010.

My best friend Detra, who is like a sister to me was diagnosed with Lupus in 2008. At the time, all I knew was that is made my friend experience extreme fatigue and swelling in her in her hands, legs and feet.

Detra began hosting walks to bring awareness to the Columbus area about the disease. Quite naturally her friends including myself wanted to support her as much as possible. Little did we know what Detra had in store. If anyone knows Detra, then you are well aware that she is a very humble, hard-working, and a definite go-getter. Translation, she wanted to do everything herself. While, we would meet as a group to brainstorm fundraising ideas, Detra was the one making sure there were booths, banners and enough materials for every event. She worked hard to make each one a success. After each event I noticed Detra would be resting a lot. She seem to need more rest than the rest of the group. This was me still not understanding what was really going on how Lupus was effecting her body.

Once the Lupus Foundation of America became involved in the efforts, our group began attending symposiums where medical professionals would provide information about Lupus to include facts on the symptoms and side effects related to the disease. Through this I learned a great deal about how anyone living with this disease is impacted. Armed with this information, I began to do some research of my own, I wanted to understand more about Detra’s condition and began to ask her about her medications, what they did, and how they made her feel. That was when I really learned what was going on with my sister. She was always running around to meet someone regarding fundraising, trying to find locations to host events, prepping food for events and staying up late to get things done. Not to mention, what must be done the actual day of the walk. While doing it all, you would never know what she is actually dealing with.

When I think about the flare-ups that she endures as a result of doing what comes naturally to most of us, I can’t help but want to help her more. My thought is maybe just maybe by doing more I can take some of the work and stress off her so she can take time to rest and know that things are being handled.

After watching Detra receive her diagnosis, deal with the effects of this disease all while working so hard to educate others, I could not help but become passionate about providing emotional support to me dear friend.