This Is The Face......

"This Is The Face Of Lupus".

 

I remember when this ad campaign bombarded  the TV channels and  many of the magazines. That was a few years ago. I'm not sure why it was stopped because it was a very effective way of getting the word "Lupus" out to the public. More then likely it was stopped due to lack of funds.

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus 14 years ago. However, I was sick off and on for at least 2 years prior to getting that diagnosis. I was lucky because I had a fantastic doctor who had been watching me and had the blood work done on me and badda bing Lupus was my diagnosis.I say that I was lucky because many men and women back then went a lot of years before receiving a proper diagnosis. Lupus was and can be a tricky autoimmune disease to diagnose.

I am also very lucky that my Lupus has attacked my joints so far and not my major organs. My mother had Lupus and everyone of her major organs were attacked. My mother passed away 8 years ago. Although she and I were not as close as I would have liked I miss her very much.

So why am I posting my very first post on my new personal blog about Lupus?  Because October is National Lupus Awareness Month. I wanted to get this post up way before now, but as some of you know I fell and hurt myself just enough so that typing was painful for me. As you can see I must be doing better.

Seven years ago I started the NH Lupus Support group in Concord, NH. It was at that time the only Lupus support group available. I met some very beautiful women and I believe that we all learned lots and felt the love and support from one another. A year later I accepted the position of Vice President of the NH Lupus Foundation as well as the publisher of the only NH LFA newsletter. Unfortunately I had to give up all of my positions one year later due to health issues. I'm good now. :)  Perhaps I will get back into doing some more volunteer work for the LFA soon. It is unfortunate that the NH Lupus Foundation closed it doors not too long after I became ill. I remember feeling so sad about that. Now our chapter is in Vermont.

I remember that the logo or symbol that we used was the butterfly. I wear a butterfly pendant just about every day in part because of the symbolism . The other reason is that every time I see a butterfly I think of my mother. The support pin and the wrist band are made using purple, one of my favorite colors.  If you would like to learn more about Lupus then please visit the Lupus Foundation. You may know someone who has this disease and perhaps knowing more about it will be helpful to you.

Okay,okay enough about Lupus. More then likely I will only be able to update my personal blog once a month. As some of you know I have my stamping/crafting blog It's All About The Journey and my photography blog. My photo blog needs updating and I will do that hopefully this week. The point of my starting a personal blog is to share things about me that do not belong on the other 2 blogs that I have. Like cooking, what books I might be reading, opinions I have, gardening etc... you get the idea. I hope to make this a happy and interesting place to visit.:)  If there is any thing that you would like for me to add to this blog I am open to suggestions. I would love to hear your suggestions .

Until the next time Smile on. :)

Comments

[Tami]

This is so beautiful Mary. Your first entry brought tears to my eyes. You are such a beautiful and amazing woman. Gosh how I wish I lived closer to you. I want to move back to New England so bad. I am so sorry I missed your phone calls. Love, Tami

I love all your photographs and your artwork.

[Joan B]

What an amazing story. You are a very gifted woman! I am glad you are slowly healing. Stay safe!

[Doris]

Mary, can't wait to follow your journey as you set out to do new things. I so enjoy your stamping blog and love all your creative pursuits. And your photography is absolutely amazing. Good luck in this new endeavor. I will be reading and enjoying.

Doris

[Jean in NH]

Ok Mary, I knew I liked you from reading your blog but now it's so much more than that. I too was diagnosed with lupus about a year ago. I don't have to tell you......well, you know. I wasn't aware that there was a lupus chapter here in NH!

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