Lupus warriors share personal stories and treatments at Lupus Foundation event

Lupus awareness took center stage at the Montgomery County Council session on May 22, 2025, as local advocates shared their personal battles with the disease. Christine Zammit, a healthcare provider and lupus survivor of over 21 years, spoke passionately about the daily challenges she faces, including extreme fatigue and pain. "Days like that for me, I can wake up extremely tired, and I still have to go to work," she shared, highlighting the struggle of balancing her health with her professional responsibilities.

Zammit expressed gratitude for recent advancements in treatment, specifically mentioning a new medication, Ben Lisonbee, which has significantly improved her energy levels and pain management. "It's given me a new lease on life," she said, underscoring the importance of ongoing support from friends and family in her journey.

Another advocate, Carol Cordova, shared her story of being diagnosed with lupus in 2015 after years of unexplained fevers. Her experience reflects the often lengthy and challenging path to diagnosis that many lupus patients face.

The session not only raised awareness about lupus but also emphasized the need for continued support and understanding for those affected by the disease. As the council listened to these powerful testimonies, the importance of community and medical advancements in managing lupus was clear, paving the way for future discussions on health initiatives in Montgomery County.