Lupus Did Not Stop Me: Finding Myself Again
Growing up, illness was never part of my identity. I was healthy, active, and confident. I was also always the child on stage—performing in school concerts, talent shows, and events. Being on stage was where I felt most like myself.
In 2020, my life changed dramatically. After becoming seriously ill and experiencing several misdiagnoses, including pneumonia and leukaemia, a bone marrow extraction procedure confirmed that I had Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) at the age of 12.
Receiving this diagnosis was overwhelming, especially as I prepared to start high school. The transition was difficult, and when lupus affected my kidneys, I had to begin dialysis in Grade 8. For a year and a half, dialysis became my reality, and during that time, I felt disconnected from the confident performer I once was.
In September 2022, I was removed from dialysis, and that moment marked the beginning of my healing. I began to regain my strength and rediscover myself.
By Grade 10, I returned to cultural activities such as public speaking and poetry. Through these activities, I found myself again. Standing on stage reminded me that I was more than my illness.
My dedication earned me a laureate blazer for national participation, and I was elected to my school’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL). These achievements showed me that lupus had not taken away my potential.
Matric year required resilience, discipline, and careful management of my health. Despite challenges, I passed my matric with a Bachelor’s pass.
Now 18 years old, I stand proud of my journey and hope my story reminds others that lupus does not define their future.
