Molly's Fund — Fighting Lupus

At the age of 27, Molly was on her way to becoming a successful opera singer. One morning she woke up and passed out due to a fever of 104˚ and seven different infections. It took over 14 different doctors before she was finally diagnosed with Lupus. “I had no idea what Lupus was, all I knew was there was no cure and that my life had changed forever.” Due to the symptoms of Lupus, Molly’s dreams of becoming an opera singer were stolen from her and she no longer knew what to do with herself. “Lupus stole not only my health, but my purpose in life. I will not let it control me. I will fight this disease with everything in me and I will win.”

Jaime Gault is the mother of two boys and finds keeping up with the two of them a challenge all of it’s own. While two boys would be exhausting for any mother, this mother has been diagnosed with Lupus for the past five years. Many evening are spent trapped on the couch because she can no longer keep going after an exhausting day. She experiences cold sweats, severe pain, and vasculitis in her hands and toes on a daily basis. Jaime continues to struggle every day with being both a mother and wife. “I want to be the mother my boys deserve, not the mother that lupus allows me to be.” While she smiles through the pain and loves her family, it is still a struggle not to let Lupus drag you down. “It’s so easy to get depressed over all the things that Lupus taken away from you, but if you focus on all the blessings you still have, the days are easier to get through.”

“For me, Lupus means having to monitor every action I take, every choice I make. It often means I am unable to pick up my child, and performing simple tasks like changing her diaper or feeding her seems like I’m climbing Mt. Everest. Lupus means no more children for us and almost losing the one we have due to complications surrounding my illness. It means everything I choose to do, like go to lunch with a friend, attend church, go to a movie with my husband; they all have very real and immediate prices to be paid. If I go out with my husband, will I be able to get out of bed tomorrow? Will I be able to adequately care for our child? A life with lupus is a life with fear.”

Diagnosed over 14 years ago, Anita admits that Lupus has changed her life because she cannot perform some of her job responsibilities due to her weakened immune system. She tires easily, and has been hospitalized 3 times in a 9 month period. “I do not like all the pills I have to take now and my earning potential has declined.” As a mother, her biggest fear is that one of her children will end up with the same devastating diagnosis. While there have been no proven studies showing there is a genetic link in Lupus, there are many occurrences within families, particularly in women of color. As a single woman, she would like to believe that a committed relationship with an equal partner is possible, but how do you explain to that person what living with Lupus is like? “I like to tell people that yes, I have lupus, but Lupus does not have me.”

“Lupus has changed my life in many ways. I can’t do the things that I used to do without being in pain and being tired. I try to do the best I can, but my life will never be the same. My biggest struggle is probably accepting the fact that I have lupus. [Jennifer was diagnosed in February 2010]. I’m still dealing with everything. It’s a challenge to cope with so much fatigue sometimes. I’m able to manage life with lupus by taking it one day at a time. I tell myself that I will be fine and it’s ok to ask for help. I have my significant other, family, and friends for support. I’m also grateful for my new friends from the Molly’s Fund support group.”

"I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 15 years ago, and with systemic Lupus in 2007. Lupus has certainly played more havoc with my organs, especially my digestive system. It seems that the sicker I am, the more determined I become to embrace Life, and surround myself with joy and meaning and blessings, such as creative writing, knitting, and incredibly supportive friends and family. I do not want to be defined by my illnesses, though I have to be mindful of them as I go through each day."

"I was diagnosed with lupus in September 2010. It has affected my life in many ways. I have skin rashes all over my body. The worst areas are my face, hands, and feet. I lost most of my hair and I am very fatigued. My biggest struggle is learning to live with lupus on a daily basis, and accepting the fact there is no cure for this disease. At any time my disease can flare up and cause medical issues. I cope with lupus by going to support groups and talking to other women who suffer from the disease. I have great doctors who monitor my health and medications. The support from my family, friends, and support groups has given me strength and courage to accept my life with lupus."