On May 16th, I would like you to stand in solidarity with me and wear purple in support of World Lupus Day, which was on May 10th.
World Lupus Day aims to raise awareness of a disease that is little known, but can have devastating effects on sufferers and their families.
Lupus is a chronic disease that causes the immune system to become overactive, creating antibodies that attack healthy tissue. Lupus can cause pain, inflammation and damage in any part of the body and can be fatal. There is currently no known cure and around five million people suffer from lupus world-wide, INCLUDING MY SISTER PATRICIA PANTOPHLET. Many lupus sufferers go unnoticed because their symptoms may resemble that of another disease.
My sister has been been battling this disease for over seventeen years. It has not been easy, but with her determination, faith in God and support of family, she continues to face the every day challenges that come with it.
Roxsana Pantophlet