Another sad day in the world of lupus: Sasha McHale

Reading about 23-year Sasha McHale's recent death due to complications of lupus was upsetting. So upsetting, I thought about not posting the news. But then, I came across this article from the Huffington Post, and I thought, "Okay - I can handle this one." I couldn't finish the first few articles I read covering the tragic event. As a lupus patient myself and a mother of two young girls who just might end up with lupus someday, the articles that talked, in detail, about lupus death rates, complications of the disease, and less than positive outlooks for patients were just too much for me. But this one, I can deal with, as it provides a positive, yet accurate picture of what sometimes seems to be a rather bleak future for lupus and its sufferers. My heart goes out to the McHale family - I wish them strength in the days and weeks to come. 

Also in lupus news, singer Toni Braxton was recently hospitalized due to blood clots caused by systemic lupus, which she was diagnosed with a couple of years ago. My hope is that the much needed education and awareness of this mysterious disease will continue to grow with these high-profile stories, preventing tragedies like the death of young Miss McHale from occurring in the future.  

Comments

aKuna Kumara said…
I hear your heart ache..but having lost a child at 18 to it and now having her sister diagnosed with it when she has two children I feel your concern. However Leslie who was known as an angel to all, taught us that Lupus should not be looked upon as a harbinger of death, cause we all pass from something when our soul says it's time, and the point of each life is to be the best we can be while here and for other to celebrate that...
Anonymous said…
I thought from the literature that I have read that nowadays most people do not die prematurely from lupus complications. Am I wrong? naive? in denial?
Anonymous said…
Me again. I just read a study about death and lupus and I just want to add that if you take care of yourself-maybe eat a diet of unprocessed mainly vegetarian foods (see Dr. Joel Fuhrman or Dr. McDougall) with no dairy or gluten, exercise, keep stress levels down, etc, you have a better chance of keeping your disease at bay.
Sara Gorman said…
Thanks for your comments.
AKuna - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. I can't imagine what that must feel like, but it sounds like you're displaying unbelievable strength and understanding.

When I decided to have children, I knew passing on lupus was a consideration...but decided that just as I've learned (albeit slowly and sometimes painfully) how to live well, despite the illness - I'll hopefully enable and encourage my girls to do the same, should they be diagnosed.
Sara Gorman said…
And Anonymous - you're right - many people today are able to live a full live with lupus...thankfully! But the disease, as complicated and life-altering as it is, can't be underestimated. Working closely with a doctor, there are certainly ways to manage the disease. it's just unfortunate events like Sasha's passing that reminds many of us with lupus just how important it is to take it seriously!

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