Too sweet to be sour

Sometimes I think we’ve got it twisted. Phrases like “That’s life!”, “Life stinks!” or even “Life, I wonder, will it take me under? I don’t know,” permeate the social landscape. But no. Life is beautiful and for the living.

It is wholly transformative if one is able to see the good in everyday. The beauty of life in spite of its difficulties. It’s a recipe for endurance and the secret to overcoming obstacles.

That’s where my mind is nowadays as I think about my own fight against the cruel mystery known as lupus. I’ve been in this fight for over a year now. It has been filled with its hills and valleys but am thankful to say that I–in this moment–am feeling better than I have felt in quite some time.

This Saturday my wife and I will be in DC participating in the 7th Annual DC Walk to End Lupus Now.

We’d love your help.

Please contribute to our effort to end lupus once and for all. It’s an illness that affects over 1.5 million Americans with more than 16,000 new cases every year.

Although the walk is this Saturday, the 27th of April, we will be collecting donations until the 27th of June.

I’m doing this because I know that our efforts can help other people in this fight.

Exceeding 10 mg/day prednisone increased CV events in lupus

Exceeding 10 mg/day prednisone increased CV events in lupus

Current use of prednisone above 10 mg/day more than doubles the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, according to a study conducted by Dr. Michelle Petri and her colleagues.

Exceeding 10 mg/day prednisone increased CV events in lupus

Exceeding 10 mg/day prednisone increased CV events in lupus

Current use of prednisone above 10 mg/day more than doubles the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, according to a study conducted by Dr. Michelle Petri and her colleagues.

The Benefits of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates

The Benefits of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates

“Talk to your doctor when you’re ready to start exercising,” says Ardoin. “Many patients think they should start off with an intense regimen, but you need to get your doctor’s input and start low and slow.” She recommends a routine that alternates one of these exercises with low-impact aerobics. 

“Stick with it and do it consistently—if you do, you will reap the benefits,” Ardoin adds. “Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.”

 

Circle of Hope: Jonathan and Caitlin Woodlief

Circle of Hope: Jonathan and Caitlin Woodlief

“When Jonathan’s mom brought him down about 24 hours after our surgery, I was just staring at him because I’d forgotten what he looked like—his face wasn’t swollen, his color was back. And I thought, that’s the person I met, that’s who I dated, that’s who I fell in love with.”

Self-Esteem Skills How to Stay Upbeat When Dealing with Lupus

Self-Esteem Skills How to Stay Upbeat When Dealing with Lupus

“Most of all, I had to learn I was not my looks,” Beasley says. “I am still a vital person with a lot to contribute. I needed to focus on who I was, not just define myself by a disease.”

Event celebrates artist’s life, raises lupus awareness

Event celebrates artist’s life, raises lupus awareness

“In the state of Michigan, there are 65,000 people diagnosed with lupus — that’s Ford Field filled to the max,”

Pose: Fashion Designer Radhika Khanna Makes Yoga Easy

Pose: Fashion Designer Radhika Khanna Makes Yoga Easy

After she was diagnosed with lupus, Khanna had to take some time away from her fashion design business. As a designer Khanna is not content to follow others, she wants to be a leader. She is also a leader when it comes to managing her disease. It may be incurable but she is not giving in to it by any means.

Lupus: a civil war inside the body

Lupus: a civil war inside the body

Linda Jean was a dancer and, despite her illness, she danced with the Joffrey Ballet (a prestigious dance company in Chicago, Illinois and New York City, founded in 1956). She lived with lupus for 18 years before succumbing to it. For the Mundy family and others who loved her, it was a tragic loss.

Lupus patients to release live butterflies at Walk To End Lupus Now

Lupus patients to release live butterflies at Walk To End Lupus Now

On Saturday, March 30 at 9:00 a.m., the Foundation is hosting the sixth annual Walk To End Lupus Nowevent to take place at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.  Selected walk participants will release live butterflies to honor their lives and those who have lost their fight against lupus.  The event also raises funds toward programs, such as support groups, education materials, and research for lupus.