Meet Chrystal & Kennedye
Lupus WELCOMED is so excited to introduce Chrystal & Kennedye Harris as our new Lupus Clinic Champions. Diagnosed in April 2017, Kennedye has been a part of the Comer Lupus Clinic since its inception in January 2019. Seeing the need for additional support and connections, especially during the last few months, both women hope to share their insights and experiences with our patients.
How does Lupus affect your daily life?
Living with lupus isn't always the same daily, some days you feel fatigued, some days you feel like you can't move because of joint pain, some days chest pain feel as if you can't breathe, other days you feel perfectly fine. This being said, the symptoms of lupus can sometimes impact your daily productivity in school or having to cancel with friends and having them not understand because it's not something that they have to go through.
Connect with Kennedye at lupuspatientchampion@gmail.com
What is the best way to support a teen with Lupus?
The best way to support a teen with lupus mentally is to listen to understand and not to try to fix the problem because sometimes we just need to vent and if you're someone who doesn't have lupus it feels like you just don't get it and everyone is not the same so medicine or heat doesn't always work in the middle of a flare-up.
Why is it important to you to connect with other parents/caregivers?
I believe the best way to deal with anxiety is to talk it through, and as parents, with children with chronic illnesses, we deal with a lot of anxiety over our children's health and well-being. This can be very stressful and it helps to share best practices among a group dealing with similar concerns.
What have you learned about yourself during this process?
I am a natural nurturer and have taken care of family most of my life. It's who I am, but when it's your child there a whole new beast mode that kicks in. You find more strength to handle things because you can't accept any less of yourself.