World Lupus Day: Sandee Bonita Shares Her Story
As a radio personality being different is spectacular. The goal is to keep my listeners intrigued by being unique and relatable at the same time. I’ve had the chance to be heard by many people, meet and interview music superstars, and still squeeze a nap in between. I am Sandee Bonita and I am proudly battling Lupus.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in any part of the body. The disease causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues instead of protecting the body from infections. The most common organs attacked are the joints, kidneys, skin, and heart.
I was diagnosed at the young age of seven-years-old, and have been on and off medications since then. My health journey has been filled with lots of physical and emotional pain, not just for me but for my family as well. Most of my childhood was spent in month-long hospital stays, chemotherapy treatments, and being sheltered from the world for my own safety. It’s was extremely hard for me to make friends. The medication altered my appearance which caused me to become timid and always trying to hide my face.
Radio gave me an escape. I got a chance to showcase my inner beauty, personality, and succeed at having a somewhat “normal” life. I have been able to maintain my career while fighting a fierce internal battle. Because of this disease and the life experiences I’ve had, I smile and enjoy life to the fullest. I am not embarrassed or timid anymore from what has been giving my body a fight… I embrace it! Lupus will be with me forever, and now I am in a position that I can bring awareness through my profession.
In preparation for Lupus Awareness Day, I was able to support a softball tournament event put on by Ana’s Fight, a local Lupus Anon-profit organization. Here are some of my favorite pictures for you to enjoy!
