Thank you for your article, "Putting a Face on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" (August 2009).* My mother was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when I was a child, and died from SLE complications when I was in my teens. She was my inspiration and driving force during my years of nursing school, and continues to inspire me now as I work as a new nurse.
The other day I got a call from a relative inviting me to jump out of a plane with him in an event called "Leap for Lupus." After briefly tossing around this crazy idea, I went to check my mail, and there was Nursing2009 with its cover story about lupus. That's when I knew I'd be jumping out of a plane the next day. I'll be participating in "Leap for Lupus" each year to help raise awareness of the disease and funds for research.
-CRYSTAL MERRILL, RN
Albany, Ore.
*Individual subscribers can also access these articles free online at http://www.nursing2009.com. [Context Link]