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ANGELS IN OUR MIDST
Lupus is a devastating autoimmune disease that mimics everything from colds and flu to heart and kidney failure.
It's called the "invisible" disease because its victims don't "look" sick. That only adds to their pain because family, friends, co-workers and bosses typically don't understand the unbearable pain and fatigue they feel.
One person who "does" know their suffering, has become their voice, their friend, an Angel In Our Midst.
Wanda Argersinger; "In 2002, everything fell apart. I started out with rashes and then fluid in my lungs, interstitial lung disease, congestive heart failure. From one thing to another, to another."
Ten years into her diagnosis with Lupus, Wanda Argersinger's world came crashing down. She was forced to give up her career and tackle the maze of countless doctors while enduring 28 different prescription meds a day. It also launched her mission, to give voice to other Lupus patients to let them know one thing.
Wanda Argersinger, Lupus Support Network; "They're not alone. Lupus patients are not alone and that's real important to know. It's a passion because I know what they're dealing with and it's not easy."
Mamie Young, Lupus Patient; "This organization has helped me when my teeth had to be surgically removed, get my teeth put back in."
Michelle Flowers, Lupus Patient; "She knew I would be going to Shands and came to my house even and sat down with me to go through mountains of paperwork."
Wanda has started support groups from Tallahassee to Mobile. She has testified before congress pleading for research and new medication. Still, there was one thing that had not been answered.
Wanda; "One of the first questions is, Why me?"
While doodling one day, Wanda found the answer in an upside down question mark. It led to the now trademarked "why me" dolls complete with a backpack and encouraging words.
Michelle; "Hold me while you're asking all those why me this and that. Just let go, forget them and put them in my pack. Your voice gives them power, one by one they come. Until they build a mountain and you just come undone. Asking doesn't change the thing you struggle with today, so pick them up, set them free, I'll take them all away."
Mamie Young, Lupus Patient; "She has helped me to be able to know that I can live."
Even on her own worst days when her body is racked with pain, Wanda goes another mile. Someone else is out there in the throws of Lupus, feeling all alone.
Wanda; "When you make a difference in someone's life, it's unbelievable. It's a blessing that I wouldn't give away for anything."
Michelle; "She's a living, breathing "Why Me" doll."
It's called the "invisible" disease because its victims don't "look" sick. That only adds to their pain because family, friends, co-workers and bosses typically don't understand the unbearable pain and fatigue they feel.
One person who "does" know their suffering, has become their voice, their friend, an Angel In Our Midst.
Wanda Argersinger; "In 2002, everything fell apart. I started out with rashes and then fluid in my lungs, interstitial lung disease, congestive heart failure. From one thing to another, to another."
Ten years into her diagnosis with Lupus, Wanda Argersinger's world came crashing down. She was forced to give up her career and tackle the maze of countless doctors while enduring 28 different prescription meds a day. It also launched her mission, to give voice to other Lupus patients to let them know one thing.
Wanda Argersinger, Lupus Support Network; "They're not alone. Lupus patients are not alone and that's real important to know. It's a passion because I know what they're dealing with and it's not easy."
Mamie Young, Lupus Patient; "This organization has helped me when my teeth had to be surgically removed, get my teeth put back in."
Michelle Flowers, Lupus Patient; "She knew I would be going to Shands and came to my house even and sat down with me to go through mountains of paperwork."
Wanda has started support groups from Tallahassee to Mobile. She has testified before congress pleading for research and new medication. Still, there was one thing that had not been answered.
Wanda; "One of the first questions is, Why me?"
While doodling one day, Wanda found the answer in an upside down question mark. It led to the now trademarked "why me" dolls complete with a backpack and encouraging words.
Michelle; "Hold me while you're asking all those why me this and that. Just let go, forget them and put them in my pack. Your voice gives them power, one by one they come. Until they build a mountain and you just come undone. Asking doesn't change the thing you struggle with today, so pick them up, set them free, I'll take them all away."
Mamie Young, Lupus Patient; "She has helped me to be able to know that I can live."
Even on her own worst days when her body is racked with pain, Wanda goes another mile. Someone else is out there in the throws of Lupus, feeling all alone.
Wanda; "When you make a difference in someone's life, it's unbelievable. It's a blessing that I wouldn't give away for anything."
Michelle; "She's a living, breathing "Why Me" doll."
ANGELS IN OUR MIDST ENTRY FORM
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