Hi
Many of you know my story with Lupus. I was diagnosed with the disease in 1995 when I was only 21 years old. I had just been blessed with my first child, Mikayla. After her birth my body just went downhill. I remember thinking that I must be going crazy. How could I have a new crazy symptom everyday? How am I supposed to care for this sweet baby girl and my husband? The next few months that followed my diagnoses included a life flight trip to a hospital in SLC, exploratory surgery, weeks in the ICU, rehabilitation, chemotherapy for my kidneys, and then years of juggling medications to try to find something that would control my pain, rashes, headaches, kidney disease, depression, fatigue, & more. The image that I added to this page is from that time of uncertainty in my life. I hope you can see how real this disease is. Lupus is a very real and very serious auto-immune disease. I have been blessed with amazing physicians that have help me get to where I am today. They have helped me bring another daughter into our family. Although that venture was a huge strain on both my own life and my sweet little Lauren's life, we are so grateful for the family we have. Many people will look at us with Lupus and say, "You don't look sick." Well, let me tell you ...I AM SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED!!! :-)
Last year was the first year that I created a fundraising page. I was overwhelmed by the support of all of my family and friends! The walk itself was also very emotional for me. It was the first time I had my parents there to walk with me. To see all of the people there supporting the cause was amazing! To hear the personal accounts of how Lupus has affected member of my community were touching. I truly felt loved and supported by everyone.
This year there have been great strides with Lupus. The FDA approving the first mediaction for Lupus in Over 50 years. Here in Utah the senate passed the bill declaring May Utah Lupus Awareness Month.
I am so grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially my husband Derk and my daughters Mikayla and Lauren. They see the ups and downs of this illness every day. Thanks for your love and support.
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Love,
Heather Kapp