Rakiba Mitchell

Meet Rakiba Mitchell from Redford, MI. Rakiba was newly diagnosed with lupus this past February.

Rakiba’s Story:

After three years of foreign flare ups followed by a rollercoaster of “ologists,” my rheumatologist gave it a name. She said “you have lupus” and the tears fell. It was a mixture of fear and relief. My lupus makes me tired and listless. When I have flares in my joints it hurts to move. I also have numbness in my fingertips. My biggest challenge is managing stress. It’s hard when everything that you do has an element of stress in it.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is newly diagnosed?: Breathe as much as necessary. Ask as many questions as possible. Find your tribe. Educate yourself. Choose you. Define your resilience.

What is one misconception you wish you could change about lupus?: I wish more people knew that it existed.

What brings you joy?: My artwork is my release. It’s my happy place.