I’m Walking to End Lupus in which I was diagnosed with in March of 2023. Join Me?
Imagine a day when doctors can say, “There is a cure for lupus.” Until that day though, there is work to be done. I am excited to share that I'll be participating in a walk to raise funds and awareness for Lupus, a cause close to my heart. Join me as I participate in Lupus Foundation of America’s Walk to End Lupus Now™ in Austin, Texas to raise critical funds for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States.
My personal story
Hives appeared all over me and I couldnt get a diagnosis as to why. I became exhausted, sleeping as soon as i got home from work. Then, one morning I woke and i couldnt get my legs to move. Each leg felt like they were 200 pounds each. Vomiting began, headaches, stiffness of joints, pain. I felt helpless....Six months later I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. With months of water therapy and medicine I am now to the point where I have energy, sleeping less and have graduated to land physical therapy.
It is essential to understand that Lupus is not caused by being unhealthy or the result of a person's lifestyle choices. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. The exact cause of Lupus is not fully understood. As a result, it is crucial to dispel any misconceptions that Lupus is cause by being unhealthy or that it is solely the individual's fault. It is a complex medical condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their lifestyle choices.
Despite feeling better at this moment, I know it may not be the case tomorrow, or even in a few hours. I know that my journey towards recovery is far from over. Lupus continues to be a daily challenge, and many others face similar struggles.
By joining this walk, I hope to not only celebrate the progress I've made but also emphasize the importance of ongoing support and research for those living with lupus. Every step I take represents the courage and resilience required to tackle this disease head-on.
Your contributions will make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by lupus, providing much-needed resources for research, treatment, and patient support. Together, let's walk towards a future where lupus is better understood, and those affected can lead healthier and happier lives.
Thank you for standing beside me on this journey. Your support means the world to me and countless others battling lupus. Let's make a difference together! Especially with being supportive, empathetic, and help others in need manage their challenges that the condition presents in their daily life.
With gratitude and hope,
Maia Nendza
Did you know?
- Lupus is a mysterious and misunderstood autoimmune disease. It strikes without warning, affects each person differently, and has no known causes or cure.
- Lupus symptoms can be severe and highly unpredictable and can damage any organ or tissue, from the skin or joints to the heart or kidneys.
- While lupus can strike anyone at any time, 90% of people living with lupus are women. Women of color are at especially high risk.
- Lupus is hard to diagnose, but the Lupus Foundation of America is working to make life easier and more comfortable for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States.
