By Mitchelle Uzorka, 03:50pm
My name is ShiVanda Peebles. I’m 42 years old, and I’m a 21 year survivor of lupus. I was diagnosed with SLE lupus in 1995 at the age of 21. Early in my diagnosis, I had a lot of swelling and joint pain, extreme fatigue, and hair loss. I underwent extreme weight loss, eventually dropping to just 78 pounds. I suffered through total organ failure, during which my heart failed twice. I now have permanent kidney and bone damage and underwent two I recently had both of my hips replaced. But the hardest things I had to deal with were the miscarriages. I was unable to have children but I did carry one and gave birth to Shiman Peebles.
I’ve had a lot of struggles but I’m truly blessed. God continues to keep and bless me. My faith in God has brought me through everything I had to endure and strengthens me every step of the way. I have a great support system in my parents, sisters, family, friends, and most important my husband, my high school sweetheart. I’m so thankful for life and I’m going to live it to the fullest. Live, love and be happy!!!
I walk because we must find a cure for this devastating disease! I am challenging each and every walker to dig deep and finish strong. People living with lupus deserve our best effort!
