Living with Lupus and Lupus Nephritis

Living with Lupus and Lupus nephritis has shaped every chapter of my life for the past 30 years, but it hasn’t defined me.

The gift of life

I’ve faced the kind of battles that most people can’t see. The pain, the fatigue, the uncertainty. Lupus attacked my kidneys early on, leading to Lupus nephritis and eventually kidney failure. I was blessed to receive a kidney transplant thanks to my brother Manny, whose gift gave me more time to live, to fight, and to advocate. That transplant was a turning point, but now, I’m in my second kidney failure, and the fight continues.

The fight continues

Even as I search for a living donor, Lupus still plays a major role in my health. It complicates everything, my treatments, my energy, my day-to-day life. But I refuse to let it stop me. I’ve turned my pain into power, and every setback into fuel for my advocacy.
I speak out, I organize events, I build platforms, and I share my story so that others don’t feel alone. I know what it’s like to be overlooked, to suffer in silencean, and that’s why I raise my voice louder.

Looking forward

Despite everything I’m facing physically, I continue to push forward. Advocacy isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am. I fight for awareness, for policy change, for organ donation, and for every person living with chronic illness who needs hope. My body may be tired, but my spirit is relentless. I’m still here, still standing, and still believing that this journey will inspire others to rise through adversity.
@malelupuswarrior1 on IG & TikTok
@emmitthendersonIII on FB