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Yadira's Story

My name is Yadira Castro, I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE ten years ago, after struggling for several months with different misdiagnosis. Unfortunately, by the time I was diagnosed I had multiple organ involvement from the heart, kidneys and brain. Dealing with Lupus has not been easy, I’ve been in and out of hospitals including the Intensive Care Unit for more times than I can count. I’ve been given revival methods along with life support because my immune system has been too weak at times and I haven’t been able to battle infections. At the age of 44 I’m battling with kidney failure stage 2, cardiovascular disease, raynaud’s and sjogrens all caused by my primary problem, Lupus. My mental health is frail and I battle with severe depression and anxiety. Lupus is a debilitating illness but not recognized by any insurance as a critical illness. It’s time to change that. For these reasons and so many more I started to advocate for Lupus back in 2017 with multiple fundraisers under “Yadi’s Butterflies” we have allocated multiple funds for Lupus research and Lupus clinics around the GTA. In 2019 I shared my story at Queens Park and in 2021 Bill 112 passed recognizing May 10th in Ontario as Lupus Awareness Day. This was an incredible win however there is so much more that needs to be done. Lupus is a debilitating disease that is not know or spoken about, it’s time to change that.

This year I’ve teamed up with SickKids because my hope is that Lupus is caught early enough and that our youth don’t have to go through all the difficulties I’ve been through. I’m fighting to be the silent voices of Lupus that are often not heard. I’m fighting for a better healthcare and more awareness. SickKids have helped many kids that have a special place in my heart, including my own son. I stand with them and hope for a better future where a cure for Lupus is found.

Sandra's Story

My journey with SickKids Hospital has been nothing short of life-changing. I became a patient at just two days old, diagnosed with severe jaundice. Though I was too young to understand, SickKids quickly stepped in, providing expert care and helping my family through a stressful and uncertain time. Their swift action brought us back to a sense of normalcy, and their compassion left a lasting impression on my family.
Years later, in 2019, I returned to SickKids after months of unexplained high fevers, joint pain, fatigue, and rashes. After a series of tests and worsening symptoms, I was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Macrophage Activation Syndrome—a frightening and overwhelming moment. I was admitted immediately and spent a week undergoing intense testing and treatment. It was during this time that I truly came to appreciate the heart behind the hospital. The rheumatology team treated me with incredible compassion and took the time to build trust, not just with me, but with my entire family. They made a painful and confusing experience feel less scary by offering genuine care, emotional support, and reassurance every step of the way. SickKids is more than just a hospital—it’s a place of healing, hope, and humanity. I will always carry with me the strength and kindness they gave me during one of the most difficult times in my life.

Ashley and Melissa's Lupus Journey

Ashley and Melissa are 15-year-old twins whose lives have been shaped by chronic illness from a young age. Melissa began showing symptoms at just 4 years old, when she struggled to walk due to severe inflammation. After months of uncertainty and testing, she was diagnosed with lupus by Dr. Silverman. Since then, she has battled daily challenges like joint pain, swelling, and recurring rashes.

Ashley’s symptoms began a few years later, at age 9, with joint pain, rashes, and debilitating headaches. She now receives care at the SickKids Lupus Clinic, where she was also diagnosed with a comorbidity known as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)—a condition that, like lupus, affects her physically and overall quality of life.

Living with lupus as teenagers hasn’t been easy. School can be overwhelming when your body is constantly in pain or fatigued. The girls often face the difficulty of keeping up with assignments, attending classes while unwell, and missing out on social events. Friendships can be hard to maintain when others don’t fully understand the unpredictable nature of autoimmune disease. And like many teens, Ashley and Melissa are still trying to discover who they are but are doing a great job while navigating the complexities of chronic illness.

Despite the pain and the setbacks, Ashley and Melissa face each day with resilience. Their journey is not just about illness—it’s about strength, growth, and holding on to hope while facing some of life’s toughest battles.

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