Here's My Story and Why I Advocate...
I've battled Lupus (SLE) for the past 16 years, I've also been a full time Strength and Conditioning Coach for the past 16 years, and a previous gym owner for 7 years. I was diagnosed at age 20 just months before my senior college basketball season. Fortunately I was able to play my senior season despite my lupus diagnosis, however, it took quite a toll on me physically and made my disease much worse.
In 16 years battling lupus I have had two organ failures, countless hospitalizations, and my life has been completely flipped upside down by this brutal, incurable disease. Lupus however has also given me a new appreciation, focus, and outlook on life, whereas before I was very distracted and not paying attention to the important things. So for that I am grateful. 🐺🦋💜
I was hospitalized in March 2018 for class IV lupus nephritis and when I got out of that damn hospital bed that day I decided to dedicate my time to starting a Lupus Awareness Project, "The Lupie Warriors" which includes my "Life with Lupus" Vlog on YouTube and a Podcast (co-hosted with my fiancee Amy @thelupuswifey) titled "Lupus Uncensored" (@lupus_uncensored on IG). I also enjoy advocating for lupus and am currently an Ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America's Florida Chapter 2018-2019 term.
I manage an Instagram account titled the @lupus_wolfpack_official which is a safe space for lupus warriors, advocates, and supporters who want to gather, join forces, and rally to collectively push the lupus advocacy needle forward.💜
**HEALTH UPDATE: October 2019**
Unfortunately due to some new diagnoses my health has taken a major hit. At this time I am going to need to postpone attending any events until my health improves. I will however still be advocating for lupus awareness remotely from bed while recovering at home so don't hesitate to reach out. Responses will be slow but I try my best to respond to everyone. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support at this time. 🐺🦋💜
Hello everyone!
I'm Sara 🙋🏻♀️ The Lupus Trainer
IG @thelupustrainer
🐺 💜 🦋
Diagnosis History:
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Lupus SLE in 2003
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Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2003
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Raynauds disease in 2003
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Lupus Nephritis in 2016
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Kidney Biopsy to determine Class IV Lupus Nephritis in 2018
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Pleurisy (inflammation around the lining of the lungs, causes lung pain when breathing) 2015
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Acute Kidney Failure in 2018
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Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency in 2018
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Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia in 2018
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Dysautonomia in 2019
Other Medical Info:
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4 Vertebrae Disc Herniations at
L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1
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Major back surgery in 2013
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Permanent nerve damage in right leg
(I lost 50% sensation in my entire right leg and foot)
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Pneumonia 6+ times
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Hospitalized countless times
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I went through several doctors before I found my current medical team that I am happy with which includes my Rheumatologist (autoimmune), Nephrologist (kidneys), Endocrinologist (handles my adrenal insufficiency issues), Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Gastroenterologist, Hematologist, a Dysautonomia specialist, and my Primary Care Physician.
Career Experience/Credentials:
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Division I Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach
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Division II Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach
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Adjunct Professor of Exercise Science
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Personal Training & Fitness Manager
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Previous Gym Owner for 7 years
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CrossFit Lv1 Trainer*
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ISSA Certified Personal Trainer*
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ISSA Certified Specialist in Performance Nutrition*
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Bachelor's Degree, Business
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Former Division I Basketball Player
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Former Division I Academic All-American
*Unfortunately due to my declining health I have had to stop working and close my old gym so I have not been able to fulfill my continuing education credits. Therefore these certifications are currently inactive at this time.
