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I’ve never been one for what is referred to by my family as “land sports.” Translation: I’m clumsy, uncoordinated and when solid ground is beneath me I’ll most likely either trip over my own feet, or run into something. I’ve always been that way. However, in the…

There are a lot of sleepless nights with lupus. It feels as if I spend many of my nights awake, and my days trying to take naps to catch up. For someone who was blessed with the nickname “The Hurricane,” this is a huge transition. Going from…

My Prada high heels were the best thing in my closet. They had that sweet Italian leather scent that only a woman would know. Purchased at a second-hand store, they were a soft light-brown suede wedge that made my calves look runway ready. Even my five-foot-one fairy frame seemed tall and…

The thing about living with an invisible illness is that upon first glance, to the naked eye, you wouldn’t believe I have it. But let me open up my world to you and take you on a tour. You might not notice it at first, but if you…

There are so many things that make America a wonderful place to live. However, after I was diagnosed with lupus I felt as if the U.S. was not the best place for me to remain because of the healthcare I was receiving. For…

When I used to hear of somebody being diagnosed with an illness my mind would wander straight to pity and sadness. I would just assume they felt sorrow. After being diagnosed with lupus I didn’t know what to expect, but I can tell you for certain that…

I was watching the marsh fly by the car window as the Georgia sunrise and all its beauty stared back at me. A friend was driving me north to the Charleston, S.C., airport to catch a flight to Los Angeles. Driving myself has become a bit of a thing…

It’s never easy to break down barriers, to let someone in to the point where they have the ability to break you on a whim. But that’s exactly what love is. And it scares the hell out of me, as it means I’m making myself vulnerable on a whole…

When I was first diagnosed with lupus it felt as if my life was dropped on its head. Goodbye to my 17-year career of selling real estate and basking in the Florida sun. Goodbye six-figure income. Goodbye weekly exercise classes, and finally goodbye USA. What was my “normal”…

Upon meeting, I’d probably smile politely and shake your hand. Not that I’d want to, but because my parents brought me up the right way and, no matter how much hate I have for you, basic respect is not optional. There are so many questions and statements that…