In June of 2013, I had my first major flare. I had some minor health issues here and there prior to that, but I was very healthy and strong overall.

It took me an incredibly long time to be diagnosed. Always remember that you are living with lupus. It does not define you and it is not all that you are.

I've been dealt a challenging hand and if you have too, don't fold – the payout is good. The loss of my lifestyle is as real as the death of a loved one.

Lupus runs in my family. I started having symptoms when I was in junior high school – headaches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and low-grade fevers.

I was diagnosed 1998, a year after I graduated. It was very hard for me to accept this change in my life. Stay strong, life has it tolls for everybody.

I find comfort in knowing that I AM NOT alone; knowing that I can share my story and help others cope with lupus, as well as educate the world.

I was diagnosed with lupus, SLE. That day changed my life forever. I wanted to get mad and sad all at the same time.I do as much as I can.

I was so glad I was in tune with my body. I was always really tired and my body always ached but I figured it was just from being a mom of two active boys.

I always had problems with bleeding, bruising and hives and after I had my son, at 26, is when they discovered that I had an autoimmune disease.

I'm proud that through all the struggles I'm able to say tomorrow is a new day. I'm proud that I'm able to laugh even though I might be scared or in pain.

Now I had to find out what on earth lupus and fibromyalgia were and what I had to do to fight them. Yes I had to fight them and not give in.

Lupus does not define who I am; it is only a part of who I am. Every day is a new beginning to do something you love and love what you do.