Hi, my name is Kim. My son, RJ, was diagnosed in July 2025 with Lupus SLE. He started with a butterfly rash in the spring that the dermatologist determined was skin lupus. He acted fast and get RJ tested and into a pediatric Rheumatologist soon after the blood work showed he needed to go. He is currently on Hydroxychloroquine and we are working on anti inflammatory diet adjustments. RJ loves sports, I often joke that as soon as he was born his first request was a sports ball to throw, kick or hit. We are doing all we can to reach his HS senior year goal of being recognized with the award of a student athlete. We are learning about Lupus in his body as we go. The mid month of November has been the worst of it since being diagnosed. It has brought depressed feelings, tears and fear to us both. Thank you for including me in this group, he may not want to talk in the group but he has shared with me that he is thankful I am doing all I can to help him, therefore he is thankful for Stasia and this group! I have three fur babies, but this photo is when RJ was a puppy for Halloween!