Diaries of a Lupus Chick — Marisa Zeppieri

Marisa Zeppieri is a journalist, author of two books, and former Mrs. New York 2015. Her verticals include health, nutrition, food, recipe creation, and food photography. She is also the founder of LupusChick.com, a NY-based nonprofit and Facebook community that helps patients and families dealing with incurable autoimmune disease. She enjoys traveling with her husband and rescued terrier, Bogey.

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Sometimes you just have to sit in the mess of lupus for a while

I’m usually pretty good at finding the bright side. My friends describe me as their “rah-rah girl,” often reminding them there is still life after a diagnosis and dreams worth chasing. That even when lupus changes the road beneath our feet, it doesn’t mean there aren’t beautiful places up…

Marissa Zeppieri

Feeling Like Fall: 5 Ways to Stay Warm with Lupus in Cool Weather

A few years ago I returned to New York, my birthplace, in search of colder weather. That may seem strange, but for me the heat and sunlight of South Florida literally was putting my body in a full-time flare-up. And while some spoonies relish the warmth (and actually feel…

The Psychological Impact of Lupus

Do you have someone in your life who doesn’t understand why you are always “sick and tired?” Is it hard for them to fathom that the illness you have won’t go away after a good nap or latest diet fad? And are they confused as to why you may…

7 Hacks to Make Life with Lupus Easier

Despite my chronic illness, some days I feel like a rock star. No brain fog, no body pain, no fever. It’s these rare days that often trick me into thinking I am invincible and can do just about anything. I have a habit, though, of wearing myself out in…

How Employers Can Help Workers Living with Chronic Illness

Work and chronic illness is a tricky combination; for many of us, our minds are often raring to go, but our bodies can sometimes stop us in our tracks. Over the years (through LupusChick), I have met thousands of lupus patients and people with other illnesses who are having…

3 Ways to Support a Friend with a Chronic Illness

A select number of family members and friends have been integral to my well-being and sanity since I was diagnosed with lupus in 2001. I’ve realized over the years that some people are truly compassionate and helpful, and will put in the effort to maintain a…

Life Hacks to Help You Thrive with Lupus

For those of us with a chronic illness, I think it is safe to say that, initially, we had no idea how a diagnosis would impact our lives. At the age of 23, I was told lupus was the cause of my…


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