Advocacy

Below are some of my advocacy efforts to raise lupus awareness. My goal is to do much more, I dream of researchers one day finding a cure to lupus! If you are interested in supporting this non-profit organization, please check out the Support page. 

On Saturday May 21 2022 I was blessed to sit in on an episode of Caribbean Diaspora Vibez podcast/radio show and speak about my lupus journey and turning my pain into purpose.

Had the opportunity to sit down and talk with DrugViu's Elyse Mackenzie and Melanie Igwe on their  Autoimm[you]ne Podcast. This podcast puts the focus on YOU, the autoimmune warriors. They discuss today's autoimmune challenges with our guest warriors, so I felt blessed to have been asked to join. Listen to the podcast by clicking here or below:

 Living La Vida Spoonie is a reality show on YouTube following the lives of lupus warriors. Having an invisible illness people assume because our outside appearance looks ok that we are able to live full normal lives. Which we can try to keep up, but its a crazy world for us!
New episodes airing every Wednesday 6pm EST
 Please subscribe by clicking here to be first to see new episodes! 

This is a private space for you to make friends, find lupus resources, and receive the encouragement you need for your lupus journey. You do not have to turn on your camera and/or audio! Held on the first Wednesday of every month. 
Look for your local support group by clicking here. 

Register for my Chula Vista Lupus Support by clicking here. 

I had the opportunity to join local news station KUSI’s Jenny Milkowski on Good Morning San Diego to share details about lupus, and explain what people who have it deal with on a day to day basis.

Link to KUSI's archived story here. 

My first Lupus Awareness event was amazing! I need to upload all of the pictures still but here's the link for now: Paint N' Pot pictures. Please check back for updates! 

Brief video of myself and Emmitt, the founder of Male Lupus Warriors, speaking during the SD Guardians halftime presentation for Lupus Awareness Month.  Thank you again to the San Diego Guardians basketball team for the platform!

If video isn't playing, click here to view video on Facebook 

Moderator for online talk Hooper Mentality presents The Locker Room: Walanda Johnson

Topic: Self-Care is Discovering Your Voice and Power

So often we find ourselves in situations and experiences unhealthy for us because we have allowed fear and doubts to quiet our voice, our truth.  During this talk we discussed strategies and tools to unveil your authentic self, muzzle your fears, embrace you, and show up for your life!

Moderator for online talk Hooper Mentality Presents: The Locker Room with Dr. Vangie Akridge. 

Topic: Racism: The Home Court Disadvantage.  During this session, we discussed the fact that sports can be unifying but it does negate the fact that racial tensions and misunderstandings still occur on the court, in the stands and in the media. 

If video isn't playing, click here to view video on Facebook 

My first time being interviewed to speak about lupus, mental health and overcoming those obstacles. Thankful to have sat down with Hooper Mentality founder Patty Medina and talked about Living with Lupus. I'm not comfortable talking about my issues (especially not on camera!) BUT I learned sharing your story helps in the healing process so I'm stepping way out of my comfort zone here in hopes to help others come to terms with being diagnosed, to heal and accept help if needed. 

"Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are serious conditions that occur when your own immune system attacks your healthy cells. There is still no cure for lupus. Rosadela shares her every day struggle with Lupus and enlightens us about this mystery disease!"

- Hooper Mentality