Category: walk

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Farewell Mishinda

The Lupie Chick


Yesterday morning I was contacted by the aunt of one of my blog followers. I was taken aback by the call, as I’m super busy finalizing details for my upcoming event (Cupcakes & Cocktails). The caller sounded unsure as to whom she wanted to speak with.  As I waited to try and catch the voice she asked if she could speak with “The LupieChick”. I paused as I knew this was a Lupus related question as no one refers to me as the Lupie Chick in conversation. I acknowledged that I was the person she was looking for and she began to tell me about her niece, Mishinda. 
Mishinda was 26 years old, mother of 2, and had passed away from complications of Lupus on Sunday, February 24, 2013. I instantly felt my heart break (literally, I had a pain in my chest) as she began to speak about Mishinda. It pains me to hear stories of anyone lost their fight with  Lupus. Funny thing, she didn’t sound sad. She was laughing and telling me how Mishinda loved my blog and my willingness to just say whatever I wanted. Her favorite post was Am I Being A Bitch Or a BabyWe laughed as I was slightly embarrassed by the title of that post. Mishinda referred to me as a pistol whipper (lol…lol…). She commented that she looked forward to my daily pictures of me smiling (I haven’t posted any pictures of my face in a while, as I’m going through a flare up and have the butterfly rash across my face) and my reference to Lupus as Mister. 
Then, she suddenly  her tone of voice became serious. She stated that Mishinda asked her family to find me and get in contact with me because she wanted to speak to me. “ME????? “  Was my reply, as I never had any interaction with Mishinda? The family tried feverishly to find me, finally coming across my Facebook page, in which has my phone number listed. She asked me if I would attend the candle light virgil on Friday night to honor Mishinda. — INSERT A PAUSE AND A LUMP IN MY THROAT—ME????  Ya’ll know I have a fear of public speaking. She replied- YES, we would like you to come and speak. I told her that I’m not a medical professional, I refrain from giving medical advice, and I can only speak about my experiences and my desire to bring awareness. Her reply: “BE YOU – BE THE FUNNY LUPIE CHICK THAT MISHINDA SO LOVED AND ADMIRED” [insert uncontrollable crying]. 
After I stop crying, and contacted a few friends, as I was unsure if I should attend. I questioned my ability to speak publicly (I have a MAJOR fear…. stomach is in knots RIGHT now as I think about it), I questioned what would my presence bring, can I meet Mishinda’s expectations or the families expectations, what would I stand up there and say??, sweating, stiff and straight like a statue with nothing coming outta my mouth?? [Oh my!]. All my friends encouraged me to do it and to let God guide my words. I realize the honor and blessing. I pray that I can deliver and fight through this fear.  I will attend the candle light service, and honor my lupie sister Mishinda the best way I know how. I can hear my siStar now “Sixx, You better werk hunty” (lol…lol…lol…) DO THAT!!!!!
Fam, I write this blog with no hidden agenda. My ONLY agenda is to share my life, and my experience with Lupus. I have no idea the number of people with whom my blog had inspired, made laugh, cry, or angry but I’m grateful to each and every one of you. Mishinda has encouraged me to continue to push, fight, and advocate for all Lupie Chicks. I NOW realize that Lupus is my ministry. It’s my duty to be a voice and a face for the invisible disease. Please keep me prayed up as I enter this new chapter of my life. #LupieChicksUnite!!!!!!!

Twitter: @lupieeChick
Instagram: @naturally_lupie
Email: lupiechick@gmail.com

aunaturale, autoimmune, awareness, baltimore, fundraising, lupie chick, lupus foundation, miss sixx, mz sixx, natural hair, support, walk, washington

I walked for Lupus

The Lupie Chick

On September 24th, I joined 1,000 walkers for the 4th Annual Walk for Lupus at Druid Hill park in Baltimore. MD. The walk was sponsored by The Lupus Foundation ( DC/MD/VA Chapter).

The day was filled with excitement, fun , and hope. Pulling up and seeing the massive crowds of people warmed my heart. Most were there walking for someone, but there were alot of Lupic Chicks walking for themselves. There were lots of teams, church’s, businesses, and sororities & fraternities in attendance, along with a high school marching band that kicked off the walk.

I was informed about the walk, 2 weeks proior, therfore I wasnt afforded enough time to put together an official team. My family walked with me under the name ” The Lupie Chick”. I would like to extend and heartfelt thank you to them for walking with me- my husband, Anthony, my daughter, A’yianah, and my son, Amihr. Your support does not go unrecognized- I love you!

I would also like to thank my supporters for helping me go beyond my fundraising goal:

A’yianah Dugar
Amihr Dugar
Anthony Dugar
Angela Ellis
Crystal Fowler
Jarrell Fowler
Kayla Gant
Latosha Bell
Lisa Gant
Marquiz Fowler
Pamela Chase-Handon ( C.E.P.C)
Sharon Taylor
Women With Standard Social Club

This team below was one of the largest teams at the walk. They were walking for a loved one. They had team t-shirts, banners, pictures, and butterflies. They chanted as they walked and I noticed a few of them cried as they crossed the finish line.

The walk itself was 1.25 miles. The walk was more difficult that I imagined that it would be. It was a warm day, the sun was shinning, and I’m not in the best “shape”. Half way through the walk my ankles and knees began to ache, however I was determined to finish. I would go between walking and running through the last few laps. There was signs posted along the route that were encouraging-but one is specific put the fire in me to FINISH the walk!

The “warning” t-shirt was FUNNY- said exactly what I’d wanted to say for a minute now..lol..lol.. As I walked and read her shirt, I chuckled. I had to get a picture..

Words cannot explain the feeling of accomplishment I felt as I crossed the finish line, slightly behind my son and husband. My mini me ( advised me later) that she fell back so that she could snap a pic of me as I crossed. As I went through she yelled for me and said ” you did it” ( hence the smile on my face and arms up high victoriously).

Click Here to view additional pictures from the walk ( you’ll see a few shots of me and my family too..lol….lol..)
Click Here to view the 2nd gallery of pictures

Stay tuned for The Lupie Chick Foundation Walk planned for summer 2012.

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I’m walking for Lupus!

The Lupie Chick
The 4th Annual Baltimore Walk for Lupus

Druid Park in Baltimore

September 24, 2011

2:00pm-5:00pm

As you may know, lupus has a personal face for me. I was diagnosed earlier this summer and currently battle this disease on a daily basis. After hearing about a 19 year old young lady with a 4 month old child losing her battle to Lupus, it has driven me to stay healthy, bring awareness, and push for a cure. Living with my own personal struggle remind me that we have so far to go in battling this disease.

To do my part, I’m walking on September 24, 2011 to raise money. The money will go to the Lupus Foundation of America, DC, Maryland and Virginia Chapter (LFA-DMV). LFA-DMV provides free education and support services to lupus patients and their families. Money will also go to support research, because they believe, as I do, that one day this awful disease will have a cure.

To reach this year’s goal, and my personal goal, I need your help. You can make a secure online donation through my personal website. Click here on this link to make a difference in the lives of as many as 320,000 people (80,000 patients and 4 of their closest friends/family members.) If you do not wish to make a donation online, simply click here, fill out this form, make a check payable to LFA – DMV Chapter, and mail the check and the form to our offices at: 2000 L St, NW suite 415 Washington, DC. When your donation is received, it will be credited to the total on the Walk’s webpage.

Making a difference starts with just one step. So, walk with me in spirit as I walk through Druid Park to raise money and awareness.

Thank you in advance for taking that step with me.