Zuriel Gibson

My name is Zuriel Gibson and I was diagnosed with the chronic auto-immune disease Lupus in 1997. At the time I had never heard of Lupus and did not fully understand the long lasting effects that it would present in my life. Dealing with the disease early on took great emotional and physical toll on my life. I was young, uneducated, and unguided on how to deal with a disease that affects over 90% of women with more than 16,000 new diagnoses each year. A disease that is commonly misdiagnosed as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or sickle cell anemia just to name a few. As I got older I would learn how much of an effect this illness would my life. It impacted my ability to get an education and keep a job because I was constantly sick to the point of hospitalization. At my lowest point due to the financial impacts of suffering from Lupus, I struggled with substance abuse and homelessness. However, that is not the end of my story.After dealing with so much adversity and hopelessness I made the decision to take charge of my situation and help others. I started the Gibson Lupus Resource Center (GLRC) in 2012 to help others who are suffering from Lupus and may going through the same feelings of hopelessness and despair. Since creating the GLRC, I have expanded my reach to help those who are suffering from other chronic illnesses (cancer, HIV, sickle-cell anemia, crohn’s disease, etc.) to help them live every day to the fullest. To understand that they are more than their sickness and they can live and fulfilling and prosperous life. And I believe because of that belief system and faith in God is why the doctors can no longer find the bio makers for lupus today.With the help of God, you can overcome and win the battle. I’m a living witness that anything is possible if you just believe!