PATIENT STORY

My Niece Is My Hero

By Terri Kreider

At the young age of 28, my niece, Rebekkah Dee… Bekkah or Bekks, as I call her, has gone through more medical procedures, tests, hospital stays, and near-death moments than I have at my ripe ol’ age of 61.

Bekkah was in grade school when she started having medical issues that the doctors could not pinpoint a reason or cause for. When she was 10 years old, the doctors finally had a diagnosis. Lupus. LUPUS!!! She was only 10 years old!!

I watched as this very athletic (rising soccer star) young lady found herself unable to do the things she loved and enjoyed. Throughout middle & high school Bekkah was in and out of hospitals for either testing, procedures, or long-term stays because of her illness. She has never once given up, though. Her spunk, her determination, and her fight to not let the disease win is so inspiring! I cannot even put into words how much I admire who she is… besides being my awesome niece, she is one hell of an amazing lupus warrior!!

After high school, Bekks went on to college, attending Wright State University to obtain a nursing degree. She was called to the nursing profession because of all the amazing nurses who cared for her. Bekkah graduated with a BSN and RN degree in December of 2017.

After a few years of working at a local hospital after graduation, COVID hit. As a lupus warrior, she couldn’t risk catching COV-

ID, but she didn’t let it stop her! Throughout her flares and the possibility of getting sick, she persevered. She continued to work and share her passion, her love, and her caring heart with not only her patients but also the families of her patients.

Whenever Bekks comes home, either between assignments or just for a quick visit, we always make plans to hang out and catch up. Sometimes we grab a bite to eat, take a painting or pottery class, or just go for a walk. This auntie’s heart embraces every minute we share! This year, Bekkah will be home for both Thanksgiving AND Christmas!! I am looking forward to creating more mem- ories, with all of our family members together!

For the past 5 years, I have participated in and fundraised, in my niece’s honor, with the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter’s Walk To End Lupus Now®. My first year, I raised around $50. But I was still proud of myself! This year, for the first time, I raised just a little over $1000! My grambabies have assisted me for the past 3 years with my “Lupus Sucks Lemon(ade) Stands”. They love their cousin as much as I do! I enjoy fundraising in honor of Bekkah. Her fight inspires me to keep going and to fundraise for a cure... for her and all the warriors. Yep, my lupus warrior fighting niece, Rebekkah Dee, is my HERO!