Lupus Can Affect Anyone
From a friend lost in medical school to advocates like Selena Gomez, Toni Braxton, and Nick Cannon, why knowing the signs of lupus matters for everyone.
I first encountered lupus when I befriended an African American classmate in medical school. She was diagnosed with lupus and passed away from complications. She didn't fully understand the seriousness of the disease or the importance of early treatment, and at the time, as a student, neither did I. Her passing was a wake-up call for me.
I have since met so many women from Black and other minority communities who faced delayed diagnoses or never received adequate education about the disease. I recently spoke with a mother who lost her teenage daughter to lupus after years of misdiagnosis. Her story broke my heart and deepened my commitment to awareness.
There are also many role models living with SLE today. Selena Gomez shared her diagnosis in 2015, underwent chemotherapy to control inflammation, and later a kidney transplant in 2017, going on to thrive as an artist, actress, and advocate. Toni Braxton has spoken candidly about lupus and early heart complications after emergency heart surgery. Nick Cannon has educated many since his 2012 diagnosis of lupus and nephritis.
Michael B. Jordan has championed his mother, Donna, who has lived with lupus for over 30 years, and Maya Harris bravely wrote about living with lupus after keeping it private for decades. Rapper Snoop Dogg's daughter has discussed her battle with juvenile lupus, a reminder that lupus can affect young children too.
As you can see, anyone can be affected. Knowing the signs and symptoms leads to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Thank you to all the lupus warriors who shine a light on this disease so that others know they are not alone.
Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD