Many Persons Living with Lupus Display Resilience and the Will to Thrive – Miss Universe

Many persons who are living with lupus consistently display resilience and the will to thrive, and they need compassion from the public, says Ophthalmologist, Dr. Gabrielle Henry.

Dr. Henry, who is also Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, was addressing the 2025 launch of Lupus Month, held on October 1 at the National Volunteer Centre on Camp Road in St. Andrew.

“For those of us who do not have lupus, let us seek to understand, to support, to advocate, and to ensure access to quality healthcare, early diagnosis, and continued research. For those living with lupus, may you know that you are not alone. Your life, your dreams, and your value are not diminished by this disease,” Dr. Henry said.

The month of activities, dubbed Public Awareness Campaign, are being held under the theme ‘Thriving Beyond Lupus’. The drive will highlight the resilience of those living with lupus, while raising awareness about the chronic autoimmune disease that affects thousands of Jamaicans.

“Together, let us build a community in Jamaica and beyond that recognises lupus not just as a disease but as part of the lived experience of many, deserving of attention, compassion and support,” Dr. Henry told the audience.

She pointed out that “it can be very isolating, knowing that you are not able to participate in the typical social activities that we have”, stressing that while lupus is a debilitating disease with challenges, “there are many remarkable women and men out here in Jamaica who get up and fight every single day”.

Lupus Month is coordinated by the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica (LFJ) to deepen awareness of the ailment.

Meanwhile, Certified Trauma Coach and Author, Chantaeu Munroe, said the theme for this year is “more than just a slogan; it is a declaration of possibilities, and the possibilities are endless”.

She said while it is aching to maintain medication, doing the check-ups, dealing with the flare-ups, enduring the pain and navigating the unknown, “when you think about thriving, you have a different feel”.

“It says possibility, it says hope, it says that it is not the end. Thriving doesn’t mean pretending the illness isn’t there; it is not ignoring it at all, but it is finding the strength, the support and the spirit to rise above it every single time,” Ms. Munroe said.