Jessica B. – Diagnosed at age 23

I was on active duty in the Navy when I was diagnosed with SLE back in 2010. I had just discovered the career I had been searching for and was on the fast track of promotions, preparing a request to become a Commissioned Naval Officer when I suddenly become severely ill. I was at my highest point in life enjoying every moment when it all came crashing down. A simple day at the beach with friends resulted in a trip to the ER, a 7 day stay in the hospital, multiple extended stays at the hospital and a diagnosis of systematic lupus erythematous at only 23 years, only at barely 2 years into my career. Over the next 3 years lupus robbed me of my career, my travel dreams, relationships, friendships, and motherhood.

Well at least that’s what I thought.

Today, I am a wife and mother thriving in my career, a business owner and surrounded by amazing nourishing relationships full of support.
Lupus came to steal, kill and destroy but this warrior is not going down without a fight, so every day I wake I am determined to beat lupus.