05/26/2026
๐ Arthritis Awareness Month | A Patient Story of Strength & Resilience
Shontia Matlock was just 19 years old when she was diagnosed with lupus.
What makes her story especially powerful is that lupus had already affected multiple generations of her family.
โEverybody in my family has it: my mom, grandmother, uncles, cousins,โ she shared. โI knew I could have it. I just didn't know if it would skip me, and it didn't.โ
Her journey is a reminder that autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone - and that living with these conditions often requires strength, persistence, and ongoing support. ๐
Key takeaways from her story:
๐ฉบ Advocating for your health matters
๐ค Support systems can make a meaningful difference
๐ Treatment journeys may involve trial and error
โจ Staying informed about new therapies can help improve quality of life
๐ Read the full story here:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-conditions/how-i-manage-lupus-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/