Hi, my name is Tracy, and I am raising funds for my sister, Gloria, who has been courageously battling lupus for 19 years.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks the body from the inside out. What many people don’t see is how deeply it affects everyday life. Gloria has been fighting not only lupus, but also the harsh side effects of the medications required to keep her alive.

In 2023, Gloria developed a severe lesion on her ankle from what started as a simple mosquito bite. What should have been minor turned into a serious medical condition that took over two years to heal. Her recovery required multiple skin grafts and ongoing medical procedures—just one example of how aggressively lupus has impacted her body.

Due to long-term steroid use and complications from lupus, Gloria is now facing:

• hip surgery from long-ter m steriod use

• Severe dental deterioration due to osteomyelitis, requiring all of her teeth to be removed

• Urgent oral surgery to prevent infection from spreading further, potentially to her brain

• Painful circulation issues that have already resulted in the loss of fingertips

• A current infection in another finger (osteomyelitis), which doctors are closely monitoring in hopes of preventing another amputation.

Gloria has also recently experienced changes in her vision. After a recent eye appointment, doctors noted early signs of glaucoma, likely related to long-term steroid use as well. She now requires a specialized eye exam and new prescription glasses, both of which are costly and currently out of reach for her.

This oral surgery and ongoing treatments are time-sensitive and cannot be delayed.

Despite all of this, Gloria continues to fight with strength, faith, and courage.

Gloria is not only a fighter—she is also a helper. She serves as a dedicated organizer for a lupus support organization, where she has spent her time uplifting and advocating for others living with this disease. Now, she needs that same support in return.

Currently, Gloria is on disability, which is simply not enough to cover her ongoing medical treatments, household expenses, and daily living needs.

While Gloria does have Medicare coverage, it is extremely limited and does not come close to covering the level of care she urgently needs. For example, her dental coverage only provides about $1,600 per year, which is far below the cost of the extractions and replacements required due to infection. Many of her treatments, specialists, and necessary care are either only partially covered or not covered at all, leaving her with overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses.

We are now exploring additional treatment options, including specialists and functional medicine care, to help address the root causes of her illness and improve her quality of life. Many of these treatments are not covered by insurance and require out-of-pocket expenses.

Funds raised will go toward:

• Medical treatments and specialist care

• Functional medicine support (lab testing, supplements, consultations)

• Urgent dental surgery and tooth replacement

• Eye care, including specialized glaucoma testing and prescription glasses

• Travel, lodging, and meals for treatment visits

• Medications and essential care needs

We are believing for healing, relief, and better days ahead—but we can’t do this alone.

If you’re able to donate, share, or simply pray, it truly means the world to our family. Every bit of support brings us one step closer to giving Gloria the care she urgently needs.

After 19 years of fighting lupus and supporting others, now it’s our turn to advocate for her.

Thank you for standing with Gloria in this fight.