Lupus Awareness Month—Emmitt's Story
In honor of Lupus Awareness Month, we wanted to share Emmitt Henderson III's story, whose journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Diagnosed with systemic lupus in 1995, I faced a condition that was rare in men and often misunderstood. As a young boy, I experienced a rash that covered my upper body and arms, a precursor to my future diagnosis. The pain and confusion of my symptoms were compounded by a lack of understanding from medical professionals. It wasn’t until 15 years later, after enduring excruciating joint pains and numerous hospital visits, that I received my diagnosis.
My battle with lupus has been tremendous. I have endured major complications affecting nearly every organ and system in my body. My challenges also included a clinical trial, a kidney transplant, joint replacements, brain disease, and many other new autoimmune disease diagnoses. Through it all, I maintained my role as a service manager, showcasing an incredible work ethic and determination.
The clinical trial was a bone marrow stem cell transplant. It was a success when it came to slowing down my progression with lupus. But my story is not just one of survival, it’s about turning pain into power. I became an advocate for lupus and mental health, sharing my story to educate and inspire others. My nonprofit, Male Lupus Warriors, spreads awareness and offers support to those facing similar battles.
My platform allowed me to speak all over the country on lupus, men’s health, and transplant and mental health platforms. My advocacy also took me to Africa, and I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro while advocating for the campaign, "Anything is Possible," making lupus visible in Tanzania. My motto, "I turn my pain into power, my power into progress, and my progress into success," summarizes my journey. Courage and advocacy have made me a beacon of hope for many. I am not just a survivor, I am a Warrior, an inspiration, and a true testament to the strength of the human will!
Sharing stories is important when raising awareness. You can share your journey with lupus here (with the option to make yourself anonymous). To read more about Emmitt and his organization, visit www.malelupuswarriors.org. To contact Emmitt, email him at malelupuswarriors@gmail.com.
To support the Autoimmune Registry, please share our information with others with autoimmune diseases. Donations are also greatly appreciated!
