RALEIGH, N.C. — May is Lupus Awareness Month. There are 16,000 cases each year, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
The organization estimates 1.5 million Americans have lupus, and there is a higher prevalence when it comes to African American women.
Keva Brooks Napper of Greensboro devotes much of her time to educating others about lupus.
“Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet. Currently, there is no cure for it, but you still can have a productive life,” Napper said.
Napper started her own organization, Beautiful Butterflies Inc., after being diagnosed with lupus.
Napper went to the doctor in 2003 after having a fever of 102 degrees for five days.
“I was very lethargic. I felt like I had been run over by an 18-wheeler at least 10 times, just couldn't get out of the bed. I did not have flu-like symptoms. I wasn't coughing, sneezing or anything like that, but I just could not move,” Napper said.
Napper says doctors took blood tests.
“My antibodies were 1,280, when the range is actually 0 to 80,” Napper said.
Napper said she had a stroke and seizures the following year.
Data shows that lupus is two to three times more prevalent in women of color. Other symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to sunlight, butterfly rashes, hair loss and joint pain.
“I would say, pay attention to your body, know your body, be sure that you're getting rest and that you are drinking plenty of water. Always, always, always surround yourself with a good village, even if you have been diagnosed and know that the diagnosis does not define who you are,” Napper said.
Napper is hosting the 13th annual Laps for Lupus Mental Health Awareness event Sunday to educate about the illness.
It’s at Keeley Park, 4100 Keeley Road in McLeansville, outside of Greensboro, at 3 p.m.
To find out how to register, click here.