Please note that some medicals schools will accept body donations from those that had lupus however, there is little to no chance that the donation will be used for lupus research or education. If your wish is to donate to a medical school, please check with the school first to see if is fulfills your wishes.
She is a retired preschool teacher of sixteen years. She has been living and thriving with Systemic Lupus Erythematous for over twenty years in Little Rock, Arkansas. A volunteer and a lupus advocate spreading lupus awareness near and far. She is a Lupus Warrior and a Lupus Champion boxing lupus 365 days a year acclaiming God as her victory being everything she needs and more! Her first lupus symptoms began at age nine.
After being misdiagnosed for over twenty- five years and four hip surgeries later she received a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematous while being hospitalized for two weeks with chronic pain, fever of an unknown origin ,chronic urticaria and fatigue.
She stated, “Finally having an answer was welcomed after so many years of unanswered questions.”
At age twenty -nine Antoinette was diagnosed with a vascular necrosis of both hips a condition she developed from chronic steroid usage for treatment of chronic inflammation and joint pain.
She received hip surgeries at age twenty -nine bilateral core drillings to relieve the pain that she was suffering. The surgeries were not successful ,at the age of thirty she received total hip replacements in both hips . Still not having a diagnosis of lupus she continued with steroids to gain some relief from all the inflammation, joint pain and rashes. She developed hypertension and steroid induced diabetes. By the mercy and grace of God he allowed her to return to work after rehabilitation.
In 2010 she started having more problems with her hips and was forced to retire from her teaching position. In 2014she was diagnosed with metallosis a condition that she developed from the metal on metal hip implants that she had received in 2000. In January 2014 Antoinette had her fifth hip surgery and turned 45 in the hospital and once again went through rehab. Thankful that God taught her to walk again she never misses an opportunity to tell others of the Lemonade that God has made and continues to make in her life!
he medications that she received for pain after the surgery caused a new condition gastroparesis it slowed down the process of digesting food, stomach pain and not allowing food to stay down she was now losing unwanted weight!
In 2019 during a horrible lupus flare she proclaimed that people with lupus can live and thrive. It is during this time that she created the Lupus Champions Facebook group A support group dedicated to spreading and promoting lupus awareness. In this group we are encouraging help ,hope, healing, positively inspiring words, inspirational stories, resources and more ! We Are Living And Thriving With Lupus One year … One month … One week… One day …. One hour … One minute… And one second at a time 💜❤️🥊❤️ In 2023 Antoinette had an occipital lobe stroke affecting her vision ,balance and her cognitively. After being hospitalized doctors discovered that she has a pea size blockage in her brain.
“I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I do know who holds tomorrow”, she stated !
When Life Gives You Lemons Let God Make The Lemonade. Busy 🐝
4 A’s Sisters Lupus Club April 2024 Spotlights Janay Townes, born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, and later moved to Carney’s Point, NJ, when she was fourteen. Janay was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus kidney nephritis stage four in 2004, and she was only fifteen years old.
Not knowing that lupus causes a lot of underlying illnesses, throughout the years, she has been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Asthma, Anemia, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Fibromyalgia, Depression/Anxiety, High Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea, Severe Insomnia, Raynaud’s Syndrome, and severe Migraines.
She has had numerous surgeries and procedures such as Bilateral Hip Core Decompression, Left Hip Replacement, Right Shoulder Replacement, Gallbladder removal, Appendix removal, several Colonoscopies/Endoscopies, and removal of Cancer Cells, and soon will have her Right Hip Replaced.
She has been on every lupus medication/treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy, blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, plasmapheresis, losing all her teeth, and being in full menopause by age thirty.
With all that she has going on with her many illnesses, she has remained a humble lupus warrior and is still standing despite what she has been through. Janay still has good and bad days, but no matter what, she wakes up every morning ready to defeat lupus and whatever else comes her way.
Having lupus is 365 days, 24/7 job, with NO days off. Janay started LupiesUnite (Founder) so people with lupus can have a voice and be heard. Many people are still ignorant about lupus. If only they knew what people with lupus go through daily, they would understand why lupus survivors are so vocal about Lupus Awareness.
Janay may have lupus, but lupus does not have her. Lupus will not bring Janay down. No matter how many times she may fall, she will get right back up and continue to fight, spread awareness, and educate the world about lupus.” Let’s show some love for Janay!
4 A’s Sisters Lupus Club recognize our March monthly Lupus Warriors. Meet Mrs. Carol A George-Perry who was diagnosed at 16 yrs old. This was late 80s when there was very little research on lupus. She had to move to Houston to seek treatment. The diagnosis turned her active lifestyle upside down.
Carol was told she should never have kids. She was told that pregnancy could kill her. Lupus didn’t know she had a praying grandmother. She has 4 beautiful sons. They were all healthy.
At age 52, Carol have now lived with Lupus longer than she has lived without. Carol have had some really difficult times. She always push through. Carol never succumb to the pain.
Carol is fortunate to live in NC now. She receives her care at Duke Rheumatology. She has been able to get off most of her medications. Only have an infusion monthly.
Quote, “I am happily married to my best friend. I love to travel”. She’s currently a Dental Territory Manager for a Federal Dental Plan.
Meet Candi Faulk-Penn the 4 A’s Sisters Lupus Club 2024 Lupus Walk Grand Marshal, born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. Seven years ago, she was diagnosed with SLE Lupus. Not knowing what Lupus was, Candi did not know what to expect of this silent disease. After being told she was diagnosed with Lupus, she found herself angry, asking God “Why me?” After finding herself in denial about this silent disease, all she could think was that she wanted to be considered “normal” one day.
Like her, many may not know what Lupus is, and that’s ok, it is not that discussed, however, she wants to share what she knows about Lupus.
What is lupus? Lupus is a highly complex autoimmune disease that can affect any organ in your body. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body. Symptoms vary among people and may be mild to severe. Signs and symptoms may include butterfly rash on the face, hair loss, fatigue, mouth ulcers, swollen and joint pain, lung problems, heart problems, kidney problems. These are some of the symptoms that Lupus can include for her.
Candi experience with Lupus has been symptoms of photo sensitivity to sunlight, unexplained bruising, weight loss/gain, heart issues, brain fog, mouth ulcers, gastrointestinal issues and more. After being diagnosed with Lupus seven years ago, it has been an emotional journey for her. Before today, Candi never wanted to share her story.
However, she came to realize that her own personal journey can be helpful to others and can make a difference. The emotions she feels regularly knowing that having to deal with a chronic illness with no cure is tragic.
Lupus is like a roller coaster, each day you will have your highs and lows. Over the years this disease has manifested into other illnesses including arthritis, Hashimoto, thyroid disease, Neutropenia, Osteopenia and otherunderlying conditions. Other stressors that she has endured are the many visits to specialists, bloodwork every three months, medication changes, and countless medical bills she incur from living each day with Lupus.
Only those with Lupus will understand the challenges Candi faces on a daily basis. However, one day she hopes there is a cure so others won’t have to suffer as she does. Until that day, one thing she has learned through this journey is that it is not easy. Candi has learned to be her biggest advocate, have the confidence and hope for a cure, to keep her faith, not only for herself but, for her husband, her son, and a wonderful grandson. They give her a purpose and a reason to keep fighting and not to give up.
Through her experiences, she has learned to appreciate every day she wakes up and remind herself that she’s more than someone with Lupus. She’s a warrior, and she’s here to remind you that even on the hard days, Lupus will not defeat her, she will fight it. Like stated in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
4 A’s Sisters Lupus Club February’s Spotlight Carl Tart this month Lupus Warriors. Carl was diagnosed with lupus in 1995 when he was 14. Lupus stopped his athletic career and it causes him to have seizures and organ problems.
He’s originally from Connecticut but lives in South Carolina now. Dallas Cowboys Fan! NY Yankees fan! Phoenix Suns fan and the color of their jerseys is purple, lol.
He love kids, loves watching sports and really loves watching old school boxers like Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. Carl works as a cook, he enjoys freestyle wrestling, he enjoys MMA, loves fitness training and lately he’s been utilizing a lot of vegan methods. Show Carl some love and let him know we are here for him all the time.
Delebra Hudson is a Louisiana native that is a passionate lupus advocate and public speaker dedicated to raising awareness and empowering those affected by this chronic autoimmune disease. Having personally battled lupus for 18 years , Delebra Hudson understands the physical and emotional challenges faced by individuals and their families. With a deep commitment to making a difference, I actively engage in community outreach programs, support groups, and educational initiatives to provide valuable information and support to those living with lupus. Through her compelling personal story and expert knowledge, Delebra Hudson aims to inspire hope and resilience in others facing similar struggles.
As a dynamic public speaker, Delebra Hudson has delivered impactful presentations at various local events, and shares her journey advocating for improved healthcare services, research funding, and patient rights. Delebra is also the founder of the Power of Purple a Lupus awareness event held in August. Delebra is also the Founder of the 1st annual Lupus Awareness Butterfly Ball held on January 27 th.
Delebra is also creating a foundation that honors all of her family members that have and had lupus and enjoys giving back to the comnunity.Delebra’s ability to connect with diverse audiences through authenticity, compassion, and unwavering determination sparks inspiration and ignites positive change. Whether it’s speaking on topics such as self-care strategies, navigating the healthcare system, or fostering a supportive lupus community, Delebra Hudson leaves a lasting impression with their words of encouragement, practical advice, and infectious optimism. My mission is to break down barriers, challenge societal misconceptions about lupus, and ensure that every person affected by this condition feels heard, understood, and empowered to live their best life.
Sheree Taylor is the Founder of Taylor Consulting Solutions, LLC.
Her experience includes working as the Assistant Director/Childcare Coordinator of Help Me Grow Alabama. She has over 10 years of experience in educational outreach in Nutrition, early care education and chronic disease management. Sheree has served on several coalitions at the grassroots level while managing grant dollars to enhance the quality of life of Alabamians on health initiatives during her time with Auburn University. Sheree has served as a Regional director over several counties for equitable neighborhood initiatives in Alabama.
Sheree holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition & Foods from Jacksonville State University and a Masters of Adult Education from Auburn University. Sheree is a certified Senior Diabetes educator/facilitator from the University of Chicago in Illinois). She holds several certifications in the areas of Sports Nutrition, Extension, and Nutrition and Wellness. Through her experiences, she has gained knowledge in assisting communities in reaching their goals through building partnerships, curriculum development, developing publications and articles for academia, promoting family, and community engagement using strategic planning and professional development.
Sheree enjoys watching football, crafting and most of all spending time with her family and friends making memories. Sheree has served her community volunteering with youth sports organizations as a board member and she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A service to all mankind.
The 4A’s Sisters Club 2023 Grand Marshal at our 2nd Annual End Lupus Walk May 27th 9am Girard Park Lafayette, La. Alzina Burrell Dural is Lupus Warrior here in our city. A go get her, never stop, keep moving, Community Activist in the State of Louisiana. Lupus since 2011, Retired with LCG, Owner of Season the Green Leaf Sits on many Local, City and State Boards. A daughter, wife, sister mother, aunt, friend, etc. PS-Community Activist. Show your ! We thank you for all you do for others.
Sits on many Local, City and State Boards. A daughter, wife, sister mother, aunt, friend, etc. PS-Community Activist. Show your 
! We thank you for all you do for others.