Finally, after being to almost every other hospital in Mumbai, it was conveyed to my parents that I was a patient of Systematic Lupus Erythematosus or Lupus. Overcoming their initial shock, they decided not to disclose it to me and continue my treatment as advised.

However, Lupus, an incurable auto-immune disorder is yet to have any effective treatment. My immune system was being self-destructed slowly, which manifested as painful symptoms like tremendous fatigue, kidney damage and pushed me slowly towards the inevitable day by day.

The only medication prescribed to me were steroids whose side effects only increased my plight. At a point, my head and face were swollen beyond recognition. A kidney biopsy was recommended for me, but my physicians ruled against an anaesthetic procedure, fearing that might lead me to a coma. I helplessly witnessed my entire biopsy with my own eyes, with unimaginable pain.

Continued sessions of chemotherapy claimed my beautiful black hair while prolonged illness made my bones fragile, making me the victim of multiple fractures within a short span of time. It was at such a juncture that the doctors disclosed the dreadful news of my remaining six months of life.

The following day, I suffered a sudden cerebral attack that left me paralytic. Fortunately, systematic treatment and therapy helped me to walk on my feet soon. When I was discharged from the hospital this time, I was still facing difficulties with extra water retention in my body, so much so that for a long time, my daily diet comprised of three Marie biscuits and only three glasses of water.

My prolonged treatment incurred heavy expenses for my family, but, nonetheless, they were extremely supportive and caring towards me, all throughout. My father had to sell our house to finance my medical bills. He quit his job and started a business at home to devote more time to me.

With relentless love and care from my family and friends, I achieved the impossible. In 2008, I was declared cured of Lupus – probably one of the very few such instances in history. The doctors dubbed me “The Miracle Child.”

Soon, I resumed my life as an ordinary teenager who appeared for board examination, but for those close to me, I was a superhero, a triumphant soldier. I started dreaming again, to grow up and become someone, one day. But, destiny had more pain in store for me.

In 2011, I lost my mother, who had consistently been my strongest pillar. My only solace was that she had seen me happy and healthy.

Seven years later, in 2018, I lost my father as well. It was an unprecedented shock for me. Now, my sister and I are the only ones to take care of each other. I cannot express in words how much she loves and cares for me.

At present, I am a successful HR professional at a corporate firm in Mumbai, while I also manage my own Numerology centre. I am a deep believer in spirituality as I have felt the divine presence in my own life. I consider myself extremely blessed and now wish to do my bit for other people.

My sister and I are creating a platform for children with Down Syndrome. Now I plan to conduct awareness campaigns to educate people about Lupus.

My prolonged illness has taken a toll on my physique. People often ridicule my obesity. So I am a staunch advocate of body positivity. I am strongly against fat-shaming and I encourage everyone to be proud of their own body.”

– Shrradha Parekh, HR Professional, Mumbai