#TheLikenessofLupus: World Lupus Day

When you look at these 40 people,

what do you see?

No two look particularly alike.

No two share the same name.

 No two have had the same healthcare journey. 

They all have Lupus.

Lupus has no one face, one name, or one identity.
Lupus comes in many shapes and sizes and affects those of many shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and genders. 

1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus (lupus.org). Diagnosing takes time as it mimics other autoimmune conditions and symptoms vary. People with lupus can experience significant symptoms, such as pain, extreme fatigue, hair loss, cognitive issues, and physical impairments that affect every facet of their lives. Many suffer from cardiovascular disease, strokes, disfiguring rashes, and painful joints (lupus.org). For others, there may be no visible symptoms. It changes our lives in ways you can’t prepare for and ranges in gravity from tolerable to life-threatening. It also doesn’t travel alone and tends to pick up straggling conditions along the way. 

It teaches us the true meaning of love, friendship, and what bonds hold us together. 

In honor of World Lupus Day and to celebrate Lupus Awareness Month, let’s spread awareness about this confusing, stressful, and illuminating condition that teaches us so much about the depth of human biology and the human spirit. 

Share your photo with #TheLikenessofLupus on any of your social media channels (tag @sol.lady_sayshii in Instagram) to show that THIS is what lupus looks like (yourself lol) and that lupus doesn’t discriminate (but sure does have good taste 😉).

Special Thanks to all the #LupusWarriors who submitted photos for this project:

Amanda Jo - @Sandwichqueenaj

Lela G. - @leelaalahh

Tatianna Sanchez - @saanche.zz

Sisi - @sisi.ruby

Tim Taulbee - @lupus_warrior80

Wyncel Chan - @wjoy.fit.md

Lizeth Santamaria - @coach_lizeth | @discover_your_power | @lizeth_elaine

Francesca Devito - @devitoandcrew

Blanca Cevallos - @radlupuswarrior

Christhina - @_xthina

Sybella Davis - @sybella.davis | Simple Sybella

Mano Baroudy - @mano_baroudy

Maria Rivera - @nomorehotfries

Michelle - @michelle_chronically_fighting

Amerie - @_ameriee | Amerie Beauty

Aida Ortiz - @beba8_9

Rosadela Durruthy - @shesgotlupus | @shegotlupus | She Got Lupus

Mr. Relentless - @bfit_johnson

Ivette Prospere - @girls_ido_adorree

Meredith's Mission - @meredithsmission

Almudena Velasco - @laaventuradellupus

Jameisha Prescod - @youlookokaytome

Yesenia Esmeralda - @_yeseniaesmeralda

Phinix - @i_am_phinix_

Veronica Pena - @veropenar

Erika Tan - @erikahuey

Ophelia Freeman - @opheliafreeman

Jazzmin Douglas - @jazzmin_douglas

Mano Wahine - @wahinemano54

Jane from the Bay - @janedoez

Lisa Freeman - @loveandlisa88

Miranda - @itsjustmiran

Morgan Holdway - @morg.fit

Jackie - @lupuswithjackie

Ruben Robles - @fearfearfear_

Sheilahe - @flexxybrown

Katherine Alexis - @katieedwardsss

Lynn - @lupuslovehope

Justine - @just_dreamer24

Swan Betty - @mrs_swanbetty

@_todiefor

If you're interested in donating to your local Lupus Foundation of America chapter, visit Lupus.org and search for your nearest chapter!

Til next time,

Solange xx