When I tell people I am an advocate for the lupus and autoimmune community, I usually see a look of confusion in response to it. So, what is an advocate? According to google, “An advocate is someone that supports or recommends a cause or policy to those that feel they are not being heard to ensure they are being taken seriously and their rights being respected. They also assist people to access and understand information and services available to them”. When I read this definition my heart sang. This is exactly how I would describe it.

Advocating for my community is one of my biggest joys and struggles. Most of the time people are very interested in what I do and how I help others. Then there are the naysayers. The ones that battle me daily on my lifestyle. These are the people I am really fighting for. Usually, this type of person is very unhappy with themself, has given up the fight and knows nothing about my lifestyle. I do not become defensive when presented with this type of attitude. Instead, I ask a bunch of triggering questions letting them see where they are at in their journey.

Once they realize I am not a crazy person and truly here to help them, the wall comes down. They become sponges taking in all the knowledge and education I have. This is why I do what I do.

Showing my community that I am a real person is also a huge part of my advocating. Being authentic and transparent on my Instagram not only holds me accountable, but makes me relatable. I love to laugh at myself which you can see daily in my Reels. I show myself, the good, the bad and the ugly. I do NOT use filters. What you see is what you get. If my stretch marks from having children are visible in a photo, so be it! Those are my memories of carrying my beautiful children.

Companies send me products all the time. Sharing new products with you is one of my favorite things to do. I am super honest. There have been times that I spit the product right into the garbage pail. I will never lie to myself or my followers. My integrity is everything to me.

This month my story was published in an amazing book along with over 60 other autoimmune WARRIORS! We are all categorized under different tag lines. Mine is, “I am Powerful”! If you truly know me, then you know this is a perfect tag for me. The book is, “Chronically Empowered” and can be purchased at this link: https://amzn.to/3n2Xk54 If you want to learn more about me and all the other amazing people that do what I do, order it today.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, your support and love means the world to me. I would not have the courage to put myself out there day after day without my family, friends and followers cheering me on. You all cancel out the haters and keep me going. I appreciate you!

Follow me on Instagram @ketolupie for daily updates and an authentic look into my life xoxo