lupus.....

one of my most favorite people on this earth is my cousin heather! growing up we did just about everything together.........baths, sleepovers, YW camp, dances, shopping, ugly haircuts, dates, vacations, college.......everything! we were together ALL THE TIME....! most of my memories of family involve her!

why am i telling you this?? because growing up, everything was "normal"........and then lupus happened.......this is her story!

Heather's Hope

Hi.... Many of you know my story with Lupus. I was diagnosed with the disease in 1995 when I was only 21 years old. I had just been blessed with my first child, Mikayla. After her birth my body just went downhill. I remember thinking that I must be going crazy. How could I have a new crazy symptom everyday? How am I supposed to care for this sweet baby girl and my husband? The next few months that followed my diagnoses included a life flight trip to a hospital in SLC, exploratory surgery, weeks in the ICU, rehabilitation, chemotherapy for my kidneys, and then years of juggling medications to try to find something that would control my pain, rashes, headaches, kidney disease, depression, fatigue, & more.

The image that I added to this page is from that time of uncertainty in my life. I hope you can see how real this disease is. Lupus is a very real and very serious auto-immune disease. I have been blessed with amazing physicians that have help me get to where I am today. They have helped me bring another daughter into our family. Although that venture was a huge strain on both my own life and my sweet little Lauren's life, we are so grateful for the family we have. Many people will look at us with Lupus and say, "You don't look sick." Well, let me tell you ...I AM SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED!!! :-)

Last year was the first year that I created a fundraising page. I was overwhelmed by the support of all of my family and friends! The walk itself was also very emotional for me. It was the first time I had my parents there to walk with me. To see all of the people there supporting the cause was amazing! To hear the personal accounts of how Lupus has affected member of my community were touching. I truly felt loved and supported by everyone. This year there have been great strides with Lupus. The FDA approving the first medication for Lupus in Over 50 years. Here in Utah the senate passed the bill declaring May Utah Lupus Awareness Month.

I am so grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially my husband Derk and my daughters Mikayla and Lauren. They see the ups and downs of this illness every day. Thanks for your love and support.Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Love,

Heather Kapp

having watched heather LIVE with lupus has been very difficult. it is a constant reminder of how quickly life can change and how precious it really is. my cousin has handled this disease with such grace.....daily she dedicates herself to living her life to the fullest. she never complains about the challenges that have been given her through this disease! it sits heavy on my heart that she has to carry such a heavy physical burden.....

heather will be participating in the annual lupus walk on may 21, 2011 and is trying to raise $700+ to donate toward research that will ultimately find the cure for lupus. i have added a donation link labeled "heathers hope" on the right side of my page that will take you directly to the donation site. she also has a scentsy sponsor that will donate a percentage of your scentsy order to "heathers hope" ...... You can order online and have it shipped to your home wherever you live. Go to her website, https://rachell.scentsy.us/Home, and click on the "Heather's Hope" fundraiser (top left under her photo), any profits from orders made, will go directly to raise funds for her Lupus Walk. any amount is welcomed and appreciated!

heather, i love you! i am so grateful for your example! i support you in all that you do! you are not only my cousin.... i truly believe that we were eternal sisters who chose to go through this mortal experience together!!