My Story

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” : Isaiah 35:4

Nikia Franklin

My Lupus Story:

I was 19 old when I was diagnosed with Lupus. I was in my third year in college, had a good job and a great internship. When I got sick, I could hardly walk and was in pain whenever I did anything including bathing. At one point the pain got so bad, my older sister had to bathe me. I was in total denial.  As my disease continually worsened, I became sicker with every year. At 23-year-old I was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis, by 27 I had suffered with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and by 29 I had two strokes.

Here I am at 30 and I’ve have started school again! I think I have been in the hospital maybe 12 times and I’ve had 4 blood transfusions. My family, friends and relationships have shifts for the good and bad. My story is to say you can’t give up. Lupus doesn’t define you; you define Lupus!

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Throughout the last 11 years I have felt like my life was over, but I have picked myself up and pushed on. I hope my story can help young women (and men). I feel my being down and out and picking myself up can be a lesson for others and can help people that are going through the same struggle.

Please share my story with anyone who you think it may help.