I’m a 25 y.o lupus warrior. I have been hospitalized multiple times, twice this month. Before my medicaid acceptance I was spending hundreds of dollars at the doctors office, hoping to minimize the pain that I face everyday. This illness has put me into medical debt and made it difficult for me to live a semi normal life. Most days, simply getting out of bed feels like a battle. I still have to get dressed, commute to work, and push through my responsibilities while masking pain that most people will never see. Imagine waking up every morning with every muscle in your body screaming in pain, yet still being expected to function as though nothing is wrong. That has become my reality. Despite everything, I continue to fight because I refuse to let lupus define me. I have dreams, goals, and so much life I still want to experience. I’m simply asking for a little help to ease the financial burden this disease has created. Your kindness and generosity would allow me to focus more on healing instead of worrying about medical bills and making impossible choices between my health and my finances. Thank you reading my story. Whether you choose to donate or simply share it with others, your support means more than words can express. I truly hope you find it in your heart to help me make the very best of this life.