Speaking with Author Aleathea Dijon About Surviving Lupus

I had the pleasure of speaking with Aleathea Dijon and getting to learn more about her journey as a Lupus Survivor, Lupus awareness, and why she chose to pen her personal struggles and triumph in her latest book “Lupehole Overcoming the Odds Living with Lupus”. Aleathea is heavily involved in empowering women who have similar stories and her job doesn’t stop there. This young woman is a force to be reckoned with and this won’t be the last time you hear from her. Enjoy!

Tell us about yourself

I am a mom to 1 son, I work in the finance industry and I crave everything health!

You’ve were diagnosed with Lupus and you’re a survivor. Tell us what’s it’s been like for you and how you were able to seek support and why you chose to pen your story in a book?

I was diagnosed on 11/11/11 I am a survivor, because Lupus gave me more of a reason to fight to live the life I yearned for. I decided to pen my story for therapy for me and to help another human understand that there is always a way out, a Lupehole to get you through the real deal in life.

For those who may not be aware, can you provide some information about Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks your immune system. It doesn’t know how to determine if a cell is good or bad, so it attacks any and everything, and in my case, my Lupus is systemic, which mean all systems.

How do you stay encouraged while living with this disease?

One of my biggest Lupeholes is support, other’s want to see you live your best life and are just there in your time of need.

What are the coping mechanisms you’d offer to anyone who is living lupus?

Compartmentalize everything!!!! What does this mean. Everything in life can be categorized and put in its appropriate place, problems, people, achievements. Knowing where to place things in your life is a priority in itself.

What do you hope to accomplish throughout your journey as a Lupus survivor?

To help others gain self love and live their best life NOW!

What are the misconceptions that people have about Lupus?

“You don’t look sick” other would say. I tell them i am glad you can see my blood, heart and lungs as a joke because people just are not aware. Just because I may not show physical lesions or appear disabled, my body is going through a battle everyday.

Do you think Lupus awareness is well recognized like breast cancer awareness? Why or why not?

i believe it is starting to be, because it being a disease affected mostly by African Americans it doesn’t get that much recognition, but we are banding together and gaining more resources and help.

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What are your plans for 2018 and what do you hope to accomplish?

So many, my main focus with Lupus survivors is to have small retreats to focus on the individual’s healing, starting with emotionally, self love it’s so healing and they to will be on their way to remission, healthier eating, creating boundaries, and really living. And of course supplying resources and ongoing education.

Where can people find you on social media and your book?

Everything is Aleathea Dijon and on Amazon.

Is there anyone you’d like to shout out before we close out?

LOL Wow, my momma and all the women using their #blackgirlmagic!!!!