Lupus/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am comfortable answering questions about Systemic Lupus, diagnosis , lab results. Coping strategies.. I am not as comfortable answering questions about medications and interreactions.

Experience in the area

I am a woman who suffers with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus along with other autoimmune phenomenon. I am the Lower County Representwtive for the Lupus Foundation of PA, I am also the local support group facilitator.

Organizations

Lupus Foundation OF PA

Publications

I have been on several local talk shows discussing lupus. I have had a few articles published in Lupus Foundation of PA Newsletter. My story was published in the Platelet Foundation of America book on ITP a few years ago and I am always having articles in our local papers.

Education/Credentials

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts from College Misericordia and Masters of Science degree in Special Education from Bloomsburg University

What do you like about this subject?

I am a medical book junkie. Alot of time, and finances are put into the outer space exploration, when there is as much to captivate the mind in the INNER SPACE. The Immune system is a very fascinating system. Anything or everything can go wrong with it and its impact leaves ripples throughout the entire body!

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

As new information comes out and new treatments are introduced, it is my goal to know about it so I can share it with the public. I want to read and learn and grow and become acquainted with as much as I can about this disease and the lives it impacts!!!!

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

That the word Lupus in Latin means wolf. The reason why this condition was named Lupus was because during the medieval time period, people looked upon the rash that came across the nose and cheeks ( malar) rash as coming from a wolf attack or as a sign we were werewolves!!!!!