Elaina’s Lupus Journey

My name is Elaina and I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. I was diagnosed with Lupus 4 years ago. Initially, I was able to work, travel and essentially still make a living. However, in August of 2022 my team of doctors recommended that I take a medical leave from my job to let my body rest & to start intensive treatments. In December of 2022 I got word that I was being let go from my job. I was still doing what I could to let my body rest of but hardships of not working and not having medical insurance were taking their toll. I depleted my savings by paying for my Lupus treatments out of pocket. Thankfully, in May I was presented with the opportunity of a work from home position but after being moved to a new team a month into this job, I was terminated due to my need for flexibility during my flare ups. I’m still looking for work from home positions but in the mean time, I’m counting on the insurance offered through unemployment but none of that has come through yet. I’ve never been one to ask for help but I’m in desperate need of my next Lupus shot and the out of pocket cost is about $9,000. These shots are helping keep my flare ups to a minimum without receiving chemo treatments. Without them, my flare ups can get as bad as skin rashes, bone pain, not being able to keep food down, and extreme fatigue. Unfortunately, lupus affects my organs as well. My kidney and liver have already taken a big toll, so these shots help with that pain as well. If you could find it in your heart to help alleviate the burden of these medical expenses on my behalf, I would be forever grateful to you. And if you can’t, that’s okay too. Thank you for taking the time to ready my story. Please keep me in your prayers.