“Kristi” is a surfer, barista, and university student studying for arts and science degrees in philosophy and mathematical modeling. Living on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula on the southeast coast of Australia, she’s deeply passionate about salt water and amazing coffee — even though she’s not allowed to drink it. Above all else, she loves traveling the world! Diagnosed with stage IV lupus nephritis at 20, she’s determined to not be defined by her autoimmune condition. Using writing as a medium for self-expression, she hopes to share her life and journey to both raise awareness and support others in similar situations. A big believer in the concept of dialectics, she loves sharing and hearing unorthodox, sometimes controversial, views. She’s quirky by choice, inquisitive by nature, and smiling always!
It’s hard to be mortal and reminded of your mortality. It’s one thing to know there’s an ending to this thing we call life and to let the thought pass through your mind. But it’s an entirely different thing to sit with that notion and let it bear its…
Third in a series. Read parts one and two. It’s been almost seven years since I was diagnosed with lupus. During that time, I’ve known many evolutions of myself, and each version of Kristiana has held a different outlook on love and life. We began…
Second in a series. Read part one. It was June 2016, and I remember unlocking my phone, opening up the Tinder dating app, and staring at the screen. Where to begin? Recently diagnosed with a chronic illness, I didn’t even know how to approach bringing someone new into…
First in a three-part series. Lupus, love, and I have always shared a complicated relationship, as my diagnosis came not long after my first real breakup. In the chaos of having my heart broken, I poured every ounce of my strength into putting on a brave face for…
In the six months that followed my lupus diagnosis six years ago, only a few moments aren’t clouded by a haze. Everyone responds differently when their life is altered beyond repair, but I went into shock. If a genie had offered me a single wish, I would’ve asked…
In February 2021, I penned a farewell column for Lupus News Today that I wholeheartedly believed would be my last. Writing something that felt so final prompted many emotions. In between my first “hello” and what I thought was my last “adieu,” there were a hundred self-evolutions. The…
I’ve been procrastinating writing this column for a couple of days now. Partly because my heart doesn’t want to, and partly because I don’t know how to begin to say goodbye. As I pen my final farewell, I’m feeling emotional. But given how many nights I’ve spent teary-eyed, pouring…
As we approach Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28, I reflect on the pros and cons of the word “rare.” Apart from my chronic illness, I love being unique. There’s something wonderful about having an uncommon skill or piece of knowledge. It’s partly the whimsy…
Learning to live with lupus fatigue for nearly five years has been one of my greatest challenges, both physically and mentally. Initially, it was like someone flipped a switch in the middle of the night. I woke up the next day and realized sleep hadn’t rejuvenated me or…
A month ago, I quit my job as a barista in search of something different. I applied for nearly everything with only one qualifier: I didn’t want another job in the hospitality industry. I’m a big believer that you will never have to fight for what is “right” for you.
“Kristi” is a surfer, barista, and university student studying for arts and science degrees in philosophy and mathematical modeling. Living on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula on the southeast coast of Australia, she’s deeply passionate about salt water and amazing coffee — even though she’s not allowed to drink it. Above all else, she loves traveling the world! Diagnosed with stage IV lupus nephritis at 20, she’s determined to not be defined by her autoimmune condition. Using writing as a medium for self-expression, she hopes to share her life and journey to both raise awareness and support others in similar situations. A big believer in the concept of dialectics, she loves sharing and hearing unorthodox, sometimes controversial, views. She’s quirky by choice, inquisitive by nature, and smiling always!