In 2012, at just 10 years old, I was diagnosed with lupus at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, this means the immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissue, joints, and organs rather than just disease-causing pathogens. Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening.
Lupus in children is widely misunderstood and still very mysterious due to the lack of research. Lupus in children is not talked about or researched enough and this is extremely detrimental to the care that pediatric lupus patients receive.
Being diagnosed with something that is not common in children is a scary and confusing experience, there are no resources designed for children, and teachers and peers do not understand your circumstances. By donating to this fundraiser, you will help fund the necessary research and support programs for pediatric lupus patients through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic and you will help to improve the quality of life of kids going through this very difficult situation.
This year, on May 1st, I celebrate making it to my 10th diagnosis anniversary! I would like to thank my support network and care team at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic for providing me with the support and knowledge I needed to get here, as well as my friends and family who were by my side through these past 10 years.
