Personal story: Back in 2003, I remember vividly how I was running my errands as usual, energetic, and having set my long-term goals in life. Alas, I started having different ailments, from joint pains to chills and fever. At one point, I became immobile, and we had to visit many hospitals, yet there was no improvement. I was devastated, I had lost weight, am light-skinned, but I turned dark, and my skin started peeling off. I lost hope of living. Thanks to God, a doctor in St. Marys hospital suggested I test for lupus, the lab tests were done it returned positive for SLE. From then, hospital visits, admissions, several medications became the norm. I cannot work full time anymore, but I thank God for this far. Being in a support group has helped me to cope with lupus knowing that I have a shoulder to lean on and express my up and downs without fear of being judged, and having a family that understands. I am living one day at a time.