A Calgary woman has started her own ‘wolf pack’ as she tries to bring awareness to her disease.
Kitti Freeman has Lupus, an autoimmune disease that was named after the wolf. Although Kitti doesn’t look sick, her body is constantly under attack.
“It affects my kidneys, and now I’m starting to have seizures,” says Kitti.
That’s because Lupus will affect her central nervous system and brain.
Lupus has made life difficult and painful for Kitti, who must avoid the sun, has a nurse and is frequently admitted to hospital
“Lupus is a whole other ball game because it encompasses every organ in the body,” she says.
The disease is also often different for everyone who has it, making it difficult to treat.
However, there are two places in the world that offer the most hope.
“The London and Israel clinics have been in operation for quite some time, and they are very innovative,” she says.
That’s why the clinics attract patients from around the world. However, it can be expensive treatment.
It’s a situation that is frustrating, and inspired Kitti to fight the so-called “wolf” disease a little differently
“We formed the ‘wolf pack’ to help individuals… and we had our first fundraiser in December to try and raise funds for individuals needing treatment.”
Kitti plans to raise money for a trip to Israel for herself, as well as for the treatment needs of others, which may include the cost of a new lupus drug.
Benlysta was approved by Health Canada last summer, but it’s still not covered by any drug plans.
Comments