Alicia was lucky to have the support of her family, led by her mother, Linda Springgate. We asked Linda what her experience was like when she found out her daughter has lupus.
LUP: How did you find out that your daughter has lupus?
Linda Springgate (LS): She told me while she was in the hospital being treated for congestive heart failure.
LUP: What was your reaction?
LS: Shock at first, then it all made sense once we researched the disease.
LUP: What has surprised you most about Alicia’s lupus?
LS: How devastating it has been [to] our whole family and how close it has brought us together.
LUP: In what ways do you think you have been most helpful to her? LS: We have stood by her from the very beginning, taking her to specialists out of state, supporting her financially, and eventually, caring for her and her teenage son for the last 3 years.
LUP: What areas of support will you focus on in the future?
LS: Sticking by her side through all the hospital trips and helping her get through the emotional ups and downs of this disease.
