MEET CHRISTINE:

Diagnosed in 2002, Christine started feeling symptoms of Lupus as far back as 1989. Having spent 14 years in-and-out of hospitals, the news of her diagnosis brought about a sense of relief for now she knows what exactly she has. However, since her diagnosis, it's been an uphill battle trying to regain her health back. With the support of family and friends she's made along the way, she has yet to give up on hope.

MEET CHRIS:

Chris was diagnosed with lupus nephritis in 2016, with a complication of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Due to the complication, Chris's kidneys couldn't filter the way they were supposed to, causing them to leak proteins into the bloodstream which resulted in swelling throughout his body. In order to mitigate his situation, Chris was prescribed steroids and other medication, which led to side effects like depression and weight gain. He attributes his family and friends for saving his life for they provided the necessary support system he needs to continue his battle with lupus.

MEET MONTINE:

At 26, Montine started to feel ill while on a trip to Phoenix. Her symptoms were flu like, but then progressed to severe pain to the point that touching a bed sheet with her feet caused excruciating pain. As the numerous tests done on Montine came back inconclusive, the doctors narrowed in on one answer–it's all in her head. Fortunately for Montine, she knew someone within the medical field who urged doctors to take her seriously, which ultimately led to a lupus diagnosis.

MEET SOPHIA:

For many people living with lupus, the road towards the right diagnosis can be littered with misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis–Sophia is not an exception. Over the years, Sophia's lupus symptoms would go into remission and then come back stronger than before to the point that she had to leave her job as a realtor in the San Francisco Bay Area.

MEET EVANNE:

Evanne first started dealing with lupus symptoms when she was 15-years-old. Like many people living with lupus, what she thought was the flu became something much worse–systemic lupus nephritis. Dealing with the symptoms and complications from lupus over the years really has put Evanne's courage to the test. However, with the support from her husband and the rest of her family, she's proven time and time again that she can't be beaten.

MEET ERICA:

In 1991, while studying at the University of Wisconsin, Erica felt really ill. She developed flu like symptoms and a high fever, and after many visit's to her university's clinic, she was ultimately urged to go to the hospital. Luckily, Erica was admitted to a university hospital that had a research facility, but the lupus Erica had presented a whole list of complications that affected her over the years.