Big Day of Lupus

Juanita Quinonez spent most of her life in Sacramento, but she was not born there. She came to the city seeking opportunity and a fresh start, building a life filled with family, work, and joy. Known for her warmth and strength, Juanita was a constant source of support for those around her. But when her health began to deteriorate, she faced a struggle she hadn’t foreseen a journey that would test her in every way imaginable.

It started slowly, almost imperceptibly. She felt unusually tired, though she pushed herself to carry on. Then came the pain, creeping through her joints and bones, and fevers that struck without warning. Her once vibrant life felt overshadowed by something unknown, a force slowly draining her energy and strength.

Juanita sought help from doctors, but at every turn, she was met with disbelief and dismissal. Physicians chalked her symptoms up to stress, aging, or simply her imagination. With each appointment, she felt more invisible. Her pain and fatigue became unbearable, yet few took her seriously. She was told to rest, to worry less, and to take care of herself but no one seemed to understand just how deep her struggle ran. As time passed, Juanita grew more desperate for answers.

The process stretched on for years, with no definitive diagnosis. It wasn’t until her health took a devastating turn, culminating in full organ failure, that Juanita finally received the care and urgency she had been seeking. At last, the doctors confirmed her diagnosis: lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues. It had taken nearly losing her life for someone to truly listen.

Receiving a name for her suffering brought a mix of emotions—relief, fear, and confusion. While she finally knew what was wrong, Juanita also felt overwhelmed by what it meant. Lupus was a complex, unpredictable disease, and resources were limited. Many around her, even in the medical field, still didn’t fully understand it. She found herself facing a condition that brought as many questions as answers.

But as Juanita processed this news, she felt a new resolve emerge. She would not let lupus define her life or take away her spirit. Slowly, she set out on a journey to learn all she could. She began reading articles, attending support groups, and connecting with others who had faced similar challenges. It was through these connections that she found not only information but validation, understanding, and a community that believed her. She was no longer alone.

Over time, Juanita found doctors who understood her and provided treatments to help manage her symptoms. She learned to advocate for herself, to demand the care and compassion she had been denied for so long. And as she gained confidence in managing her illness, she found new purpose in helping others. She began sharing her story with other lupus patients, offering them the guidance and reassurance she had once desperately needed.

Today, Juanita is in a more stable place. While lupus remains a part of her life, she no longer faces it alone or unheard. She has become a voice for others, raising awareness, educating newly diagnosed patients, and advocating for better support and understanding. Her journey has become a beacon of hope, showing that while lupus may challenge lives, it cannot diminish the strength and spirit within.

For Juanita, The Big Day of Giving is a chance to build the support network she once needed so badly. Her goal is to raise awareness and funds so that no one else has to wait until they reach the brink of organ failure to receive the care they deserve. She envisions a future where lupus patients feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way. Juanita’s story is a testament to resilience and a call to action—a reminder that together, we can create a world where no one faces lupus alone.