The Lupus Diaries: My Life with Chronic Illness
by Lillian Smith (Author)
Reviewed by Lisa Bilodeau
Lillian Smith, a resilient lupus warrior, has faced the many challenges that come with living with a chronic illness. In her inspiring book, The Lupus Diaries: My Life with Chronic Illness, she chronicles her journey through deeply personal diary entries, offering an intimate look at her life after diagnosis and throughout her ongoing recovery.
Through reflections on living with multiple chronic conditions, Lillian provides heartfelt support and practical advice for others navigating similar paths. Over the course of a decade, she documented her experiences with lupus, driven by a powerful goal: to create a resource that helps others find balance between illness and recovery.
Diagnosed at just 22, Lillian struggled to find books that
addressed the questions she desperately needed answers to.
The Lupus Diaries fills that gap, covering relatable topics such
as missing out on life’s milestones, navigating young adulthood, dating, marriage, intimacy, caregiving dynamics, cycles of illness, and coping strategies. She explores how to maintain balance in every aspect of life while managing a chronic condition.
Chapters like “Normalizing Your Illness,” “Responding to
Ignorant Comments and Questions,” and “Coming to Terms
with Myself as Disabled” are particularly powerful.
Lillian’s real-life experiences, told with honesty and vulnerability,
offer both validation and practical solutions for those facing similar struggles.
Fabulupus: How to be young, successful and fabulous (with lupus)
by Jessica Kundapur (Author) & Jodie Nimigon-Young (Author)
Reviewed by Lisa Bilodeau
Can a young person with lupus truly live a successful and fabulous life? The answer is a resounding yes! Fabulupus: How to Be Young, Successful, and Fabulous is a must-read guide that empowers youth with lupus to navigate life’s challenges while embracing its joys.
Authors Jodie Nimigon-Young and Jessica Kundapur offer a heartfelt, insightful, and practical resource for young people (teens through their 30s) managing life with lupus. Drawing on their own experiences of being diagnosed at 13 and 26, respectively, Jodie and Jessica bring a deeply personal perspective. They understand the struggles, setbacks, and victories of living with lupus, and they’ve crafted this book to share the wisdom they’ve gained along the way.
While Fabulupus does not delve into specific medical advice, it serves as an inspiring roadmap for living fully with lupus. The authors tackle a wide range of topics relevant to young adults, delivering encouragement and actionable tips in a relatable voice.
The topics explored include managing relationships, such as family dynamics, friendships, and intimacy, and balancing education, including schoolwork, adjustments, and finances. It also delves into career choices, job searching, workplace success, and financial skills like budgeting and reducing expenses. Physical activity and rest, healthy eating despite barriers, and addressing body image issues are highlighted alongside fostering self-esteem and personal style. Leisure, socializing, accessible travel, and strategies to manage stress and energy are addressed. Lastly, it covers spirituality, meaning, and personal philosophies.
One of the book’s central messages is a reminder to define your own quality of life. “We grow through every challenge that we face in life. The key is not being afraid to ask for help. You can have lupus and still live life to the fullest,” write Jodie and Jessica.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with lupus for years, Fabulupus is a beacon of hope. It offers a perfect mix of relatable anecdotes, thoughtful advice, and uplifting encouragement.
This book is an invaluable resource for young people with lupus, empowering them to overcome challenges and embrace life's fabulousness.
“And to all of you with lupus, rest assured, everything will be okay. In fact, everything will be fabulupus.” ~ Jessica Kundapur, Fabulupus
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I’m the Biggest Helper with Momma’s Autoimmunity Disease
by Heather Yaskiw Foisy (Author) & Daniel Naranjo (Illustrator)
Reviewed by Lisa Bilodeau
This delightful and inspiring book is narrated from the perspective of a young boy who supports his mother as she navigates the challenges of living with autoimmune diseases. Through his eyes, readers gain a simplified yet profound understanding of these complex health conditions, making the story accessible and educational for both children and adults. By presenting medical concepts in an engaging and relatable way, the book helps demystify autoimmune diseases while fostering empathy and awareness.
The narrative goes beyond simply explaining the
condition—it highlights the daily realities faced by individuals with disabilities and the ripple effects
on family life. It offers a touching exploration of the resilience and adaptability required to manage these challenges and emphasizes the importance of mutual support within families. Readers are encouraged to
reflect on the strength it takes to overcome obstacles
and the value of compassion in helping loved ones thrive.
Inspired by the author’s son, Phoenix, the story
celebrates his courage, empathy, and determination, showcasing him as a role model for young readers. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of how even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.
This book is not only a valuable resource for families with members affected by autoimmune conditions but also an excellent tool for educating other children about how families navigate and thrive despite the challenges of often invisible illnesses.
Foisy and Naranjo beautifully depict the unpredictable nature of autoimmune diseases, showing how symptoms can disrupt even the most routine moments. At its heart, the book is a tribute to the vital role of family, highlighting their ability to adapt, persevere, and support one another through life’s challenges.
“I’m the biggest helper
And there’s lots that I can do
To help my momma when she’s sick
So she doesn’t feel so blue”