Meaningful Mani- Lupus Awareness in the month of May

Happy Saturday! 

Today's post is going to be a bit different than the rest of my blog posts. Don't worry, there will still be a Mani, but I wanted to talk about something meaningful to me. 

The month of May is Lupus Awareness Month. I know that unfortunately a lot of people still do not know what Lupus is so I also wanted to give some links for those who are unfamiliar with this disease to help raise awareness.

http://www.lupus.org/- the official foundation page for Lupus

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/basics/definition/con-20019676 - Mayo Clinic information on Lupus

Brief explanation of what Lupus is: 

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years.

In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

I've watched several people go through the battle with this disease and my Best Friend, Stephanie Nicole Kidd lost her battle with Lupus in 2006. We were so close we were almost inseparable! It was so hard to watch her go through her ups and downs. Even though there were many downs due to her illness, I cherish the happy memories that I have with her! She was one of the strongest people that I knew. She had so much courage and lived every day as if it were her last. She did not let her condition define her! 

I did this Mani with the colors and symbol of Lupus Awareness with purple polishes and butterflies. After I finished my Mani I looked at my husband and said, Stephanie would have loved these! 

I am so proud to share my tribute to my Best Friend, all of those who have lost their battle with Lupus and those who still FIGHT to "stamp" out Lupus and find a cure! I hope you enjoy! 

 

The Lupus Foundation Mission Statement: 

(Click HERE to join the fight)

We are devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable, and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact.

I hope you enjoyed my art and my informative post! 

XOXO

-WTN