A LUPUS WARRIOR

ANISE HOWARD.

May is Lupus Awareness Month amongst many awareness recognitions. Lupus afects over 5 million people worldwide. This disease mostly afects women. While there is no cure for this auto-immune disease, research has turned to improve the quality of living for those who live with this disease. W.O.E magazine wants to take this moment to salute all Lupus Warriors across the world. Your strength, courage, and fght to live through pain are unique in their own way. For this month W.O.E. also has the opportunity to speak with a Lupus Warrior. A Warrior, whom I’ve known for over 18yrs. Interestingly, our school mascot was a Warrior and we ALWAYS greet each other as such but never did I imagine she’d be a Warrior beyond what we knew as a mascot. I am proud to call her a classmate but even more proud to call her a true Lupus Warrior. World meet Anise Howard. Anise is a Believer, Wife & Mother to 3 AMAZING children. Anise’s soft-spoken voice is sweet, charming & flled with wisdom. Anise dedicates her time to her family and friends who are her greatest supporters in her darkest moments. I had the pleasure to walk through a split moment of her diagnosis along with sharing her everyday journey as a Lupus Warrior. My prayer and hope are after reading Anise’s story, we gain a better understanding of Lupus, how it changes their lives daily and what we can do to support their journey as family/friends. W.O.E: Tell me about the diagnosis process Anise: I was diagnosed in 2002 while pregnant with my son. I thought it was just usual pregnancy pains. My protein was the highest it had ever been in my urine. I went through so many tests to fgure out my diagnosis. When I was diagnosed I wanted to learn more. W.O.E: How did that change your family’s life? Anise: It started of as mild joint pain. My Mom got sick and diagnosed with cancer that caused me so much stress in which they stated increase lupus. My kidneys are attacked the worst and are completely shut down. I am so much more aware as well as my family. We now understand the importance of each doctor. W.O.E: Despite Lupus what activities do you still enjoy? Anise: I now go bike riding daily with my daughters along with dancing, jogging. W.O.E: Do you have a support group that you use for support? Anise: My doctors have recommended groups. I usually just stick with my family & friends for my support. W.O.E: How does Lupus afect your mental health? Anise: The funny thing is my doctors told me that Lupus will play a major part. I fnally understand now that it truly does. I have days where I feel depressed, shut down, and just not wanting to do anything at all. There are days I don’t even want to get out of bed. I wake up every day in pain. It’s tedious to explain to people my pain and being in a constant battle every day. W.O.E: What advice would you give someone who is new to this disease?

Anise: I would say learn more about the disease. Look at your family member as a person and not pity them. Even though we don’t show we are in pain, we are constantly in pain. I would also say fnd a support group that will help you stay encouraged. Anise, W.O.E magazine appreciates you for being transparent. We, again, admire your strength & courage to continue fghting the good fght. We salute you, Warrior!