Cockeysville Child with Lupus Honored at Baltimore Event

LOCAL CHILD WITH LUPUS HONORED FOR STRENGTH & LEADERSHIP

“I have to be strong…there are many things going against me. I don’t have my health, so I focus on my grades.”

Cockeysville, MD (August 24, 2016) - As the Olympics concluded and athletes were awarded their medals, people all over the world watched, transfixed in admiration. These champions pushed themselves everyday a little closer to their goal. But we need not wait until the next Olympics to admire these qualities. Meet Willow Job, a champion by any standard. Willow was recently selected as the 2016 Child Champion for the Walk to End Lupus Now™ in Baltimore, MD.

At just six years old, Willow was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease where the immune system, which normally protects us by attacking foreign invaders such as germs, starts to attack the body’s healthy organs and tissues. Doctors do not yet understand why this happens and there is no cure. Lupus can attack any organ and leaves patients feeling fatigued and often in a great deal of pain. Now 12 years old, Willow explains, “Some days I hurt so bad I can’t get out of bed.” Her grandmother helps to take her mind off of the pain through exercise, reading, drawing, crafts, piano, violin and of course her school studies. “I have to be strong…there are many things going against me. I don’t have my health, so I focus on my grades.” Willow is a hard-working, dedicated straight A student on the honor role, a student of the “Gifted & Talented” Art program at school, and a member of the glee club. She also plays chess and is an alter server at church. She has her eye on medical school, and not surprisingly, she wants to be a Pediatric Rheumatologist so she can study lupus and children who have it.

In all, Willow takes seven different prescriptions. In addition to the hair thinning and bald spots that are side-effects from these medications, steroids can cause great weight gain. Willow recalls, “One woman thought I was pregnant…I’m a kid!” She covers the hair loss and protects herself from the sun with stylish hats and muses, “I have so many hats; I could open up my own shop!”

Willow draws strength from her grandmother, who cares for her, and although she finds it difficult to watch her granddaughter experience this disease, she encourages her to work towards her goals. “I feel I push her too much, but I have to.” Willow explains that her grandmother is also there to comfort her. “My grandma wakes up and comforts me whenever I need it and tells me it’s just another bump in the road. I know we will get through this together as we always support each other.”

No matter how many bumps, or how rough the ride, Willow is not losing sight of where she wants this road to lead. She wants a cure, and at just 12, she has some ideas on what needs to happen. She explains that there should be more attention paid, not just to lupus, but to the children who have it. “Lupus is not as recognized as other childhood diseases. I want to be a voice for other kids.” Willow would like to see more advertising for lupus awareness and fundraising, such as for the Walk to End Lupus Now which was held in Baltimore this past Saturday, August 20^th. Now at almost $500, Willow and her team hope to raise $1,000 by September 21^st (the last day of summer) as part of Survivors’ Summer Strides for a Cure. Members of the community are encouraged to show their support for Willow’s fight against lupus by donating to her team, Willow’s Lupus Warriors online at baltimorelupuswalk16.kintera.org/willowj7 or by calling 202.787.5390.

ABOUT THE WALK TO END LUPUS NOW

Walk to End Lupus Now™ events are conducted nationwide by the Lupus Foundation of America to raise money for innovative lupus research, better awareness, and improved critical free education and services for the more than 80,000 adults and children living with lupus in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Walk day is a powerful experience that provides the local lupus community with hope, comradery and renewed energy to overcome challenges associated with this cruel mysterious disease. Learn more at baltimorelupuswalk16.kintera.org

ABOUT THE LUPUS FOUNDATION

The Lupus Foundation of America is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupusdmv.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.