I have Systemic Erythematosus Lupus or SLE. I was diagnosed 4 years ago, in 2011. It is a very unpredictable illness and hard to diagnose since symptoms can come and go. Systemic Erythematosus Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. The cause is unknown. There are also 4 different types of Lupus. Discoid, Drug Induced, Neonatal, and Systemic. The symptoms of this illness can be debilitating, very hard to control and extremely painful. Those include but are not limited to, a butterfly rash (one of Lupus trademark symptoms), fatigue, photosensitivity, uncontrollable shaking, arthritis, kidney disorders and much more. There is so far no cure for SLE. Although, currently there are medications to control the symptoms. Sometimes those medications can make the symptoms a lot better or a lot worse. I take only two medications right now and if it wasn't for health insurance I would be paying an arm and leg for them. The purpose of my Lupus Fundraiser is to raise enough money to send to Lupus Foundation of America so they can research the possibility of a cure. Throughout the past week, I have been asking for small $5 donations. All donations go to the Lupus Foundation of America to raise awareness and research to find the cure. Please help the millions of people suffering from this illness, be a hero and donate today. Thank you very much,
Amanda Barton
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