May is National Lupus Awareness month and if you didn’t know already, I have been living with lupus since 2012. My journey with lupus began less than a year before my journey with Motherhood would begin. Being a mom is hard. Having lupus is hard. Living and managing both is even harder, but POSSIBLE.

When my diagnosis initially came, I was only 19 turning 20 years old. I quickly realized I had to become my own advocate if I wanted to overcome the horrors of the chronic illness. Now, nearly a decade later I manage my symptoms and live a relatively healthy lifestyle. Because there is no cure, not enough medical research available on this disease alike many autoimmune and chronic diseases, I find it incredibly important to spread awareness. The more we make room for these discussions, the more we can connect and grow empathy towards others. As a Mom with Lupus it’s especially crucial that I share my journey so other women have hope to conceive, as well as, hope to journey through both illness and motherhood, empowered.

When Taylor asked me to do this podcast, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. I’ve known Taylor since Middle School and ironically was completely unaware of her medical hurdles – which goes to show how many of us are struggling silently.

Beyond Our Cells is a podcast hosted by Taylor Camille highlighting the stories and experiences of those living outside of the limitations of their conditions. Living with Sickle Cell, Taylor’s attempts at hiding her invisible disease and coping with the feelings of otherness has inspired the creation of this podcast. In an effort to seek peace, discussions center on our learned ability to maintain an identity that surpasses the barriers of health conditions which often try to disrupt our peace and overwhelm our spirit.

CLICK HERE to tune into my Episode with Beyond Our Cells on Living with Lupus! Don’t forget to share, subscribe and check other episodes!

Tags : chronic illness, living with lupus, lupus, lupus awareness, lupus mom, lupus pregnancy, mom, mom with lupus, motherhood, silent disease, silent illness