List of the most popular hashtags for theme #LUPUSFOUNDATION

Although I wasn’t able to physically make the Lupus Advocacy Summit in DC this year, I couldn’t be more proud thinking about who was there to represent the lupus community. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Sara (@thelupustrainer ) and her now FIANCÉ!! (@thelupuswifey ) — sidenote: check out their podcast @lupus_uncensored , you’ll pee your pants laughing and also learn so much. Anyway, I can’t stop watching this video in particular. •“Every person here is afraid of waking up the next day, or not waking up at all.”• THIS hit me in all the spots. I’ve tried to articulate the fear I have in not knowing what the next day will bring and Amy said it in the most succinct and perfect way. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories at Capitol Hill the past few days. You represented so many of us who couldn’t be there and did an incredible job advocating for lupus. Now let’s beat this thing.

We #PutOnPurple today for Lupus survivors & Lupus angels! Conquering this invisible & debilitating disease with the help of family, friends, and medical doctors & treatment. #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #teamjayanne #knowlupus #lupusfoundation #myauntismyhero #ninangandnaeomijade #ninangandnaeomi #mompants

In the words of my insanely thoughtful husband: “Looking back on this past year made me realize what I have to be thankful for. I’m certain I can speak for Nicole when i say we are most grateful for the understanding our dearest friends and family have shown us. Throughout the year we have had many exhausted, painful and emotional days that caused us to miss gatherings or even holidays with our friends and family. And no matter how painful a day may be, the thought of missing out on seeing loved ones makes it even more difficult. But what makes our smiles never fail to leave our faces are the warm wishes that are sent from the people who we have missed. Thank you to the ones who have stayed by our side even though we may not have physically been by yours. Your love and compassion will always be remembered. We have high hopes that 2019 will be our best year yet and we look forward to seeing more of everyone. Happy New Year!”

. Amidst the lupus drama, last year doctors discovered a severe obstruction in the main artery to my left arm - leaving me with a painful and pulse-less limb. . . Opting to avoid surgery, it took months to pluck up the courage to exercise again. Movements that were once second nature became a battle, and it is that very war - between mind and body - that is hardest to win. But if you can transcend the frustration, the discomfort, the pressure to perform in the body you remember - there is, in all of us, an inner strength - that is limitless, that is intoxicating, that is both peace and power. A year later, I am by no means healed or a yogi - but I am at peace, I am grateful and I am strong. Have the courage to look beyond the physical, be patient with your progress and kind to your body. Have the wisdom to accept a 'new normal' and the humility to laugh at yourself. But foremost, have faith - that is what will carry you. #lupuswarrior #lupusawareness #lovealupie #lupus #chronicpain #yoga #fitness #fitnessmotivation #inspiration #noteverydisabilityisvisible #chronicillness #lupus #faith #motivation #spooniesisterhood #southafrica #lupusfoundation

According to the Lupus foundation, “The prognosis of lupus is better today than ever before. With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span.” The lupus community lost an incredibly beautiful advocate this week. Asha @ashasharron lost her battle with Lupus at the young age of 30. This is a heartbreaking reminder about how terrible and serious this illness is. It is a thief that robs people of their lives and loved ones. Just another reason why we need more funding for research. Why I advocate and fundraise. Lupus is way too big of a mystery and we solve & stop to stop it.

Tomorrow is the annual Lupus Foundation of America’s ‘Evening of Hope’ Gala. I know it’s last minute, but visit lupus.org/action/gala for tickets to this amazing event or bid to win some amazing prizes such as seeing @michelleobama at the Barclays Center, @colbertlateshow, the Tonight Show starring @jimmyfallon , The Daily Show with @trevornoah , vacations, gifts & more!!!! Can’t wait to see everyone there!

Who’s in?! . . (And anyone I forgot to tag ...the more the merrier!)

A little peek into last night ...and now sleep. #eveningofhope

50 shades of purple #eveningofhope