What is The LupieGirl, Inc.?
The LupieGirl, Inc. is an organization that provides a safe space that includes mental health wellness and financial support to those that are affected by Lupus and other chronic illnesses.
The LupieGirl, Inc. strives to help those who live with Lupus and/or other chronic illnesses to live "their best lives" by not solely focusing on the negative aspect of their illness but lifting up the positives, empowering them to do things that they may have wanted to do, but were discouraged to do. The LupieGirl, Inc. provides survivors with information and resources that may help people with chronic illnesses get back to work and create better relationships with people around them.
The LupieGirl’s messages will be delivered in a way that is culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of our audience. As a healthcare educator, The LupieGirl is trained in trauma informed care, and understand how trauma impacts the brain and what triggered-participant behaviors look like. The LupieGirl will be sensitive about introducing mental health and wellness concepts and will remain cognizant of what behaviors restore a sense of safety, power, and worth.
Through community education, social campaigns, support groups, and an annual Lupus Awareness Brunch in the month of May, The LupieGirl, Inc. will continue to capture the attention of individuals who may not be well-educated on chronic illnesses and empower them, especially the most affected group, women of color of color, who are diagnosed with Lupus and other chronic illnesses that aren't spoken enough about.
The LupieGirl, Inc. strives to help those who live with Lupus and/or other chronic illnesses to live "their best lives" by not solely focusing on the negative aspect of their illness but lifting up the positives, empowering them to do things that they may have wanted to do, but were discouraged to do. The LupieGirl, Inc. provides survivors with information and resources that may help people with chronic illnesses get back to work and create better relationships with people around them.
The LupieGirl’s messages will be delivered in a way that is culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of our audience. As a healthcare educator, The LupieGirl is trained in trauma informed care, and understand how trauma impacts the brain and what triggered-participant behaviors look like. The LupieGirl will be sensitive about introducing mental health and wellness concepts and will remain cognizant of what behaviors restore a sense of safety, power, and worth.
Through community education, social campaigns, support groups, and an annual Lupus Awareness Brunch in the month of May, The LupieGirl, Inc. will continue to capture the attention of individuals who may not be well-educated on chronic illnesses and empower them, especially the most affected group, women of color of color, who are diagnosed with Lupus and other chronic illnesses that aren't spoken enough about.
Brieana Salter, MHL.
President & Founder
The LupieGirl
At 18, during my freshmen year in college, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. Later in 2011, I was told that Lupus had progressed in my kidneys causing Lupus Nephritis (Lupus in the Kidney). In 2012 due to the progression of my illness, I left Florida International University where I was attending and I went back home where I began attending Palm Beach State College. In 2013, I obtained my Associates Degree and went back to work on my Bachelors Degree.
While obtaining that degree, I experienced many hardships with my disease. I experienced constant hospital visits, surprise rashes on my face and constant fatigue. Despite my family advising me to stop school to focus on my health, I said NO. With great determination and encouragement, in May of 2015 I walked across the stage and received my Bachelors of Applied Science Degree with a concentration in Health Management from Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, Florida.
It was then where I felt that it was important for me to start advocating on my own about the devastating disease. Many didn't know about the disease and I believed that it is just as important as any other chronic illness. I started working on The LupieGirl but was quickly discouraged and I deleted the site. However, almost a year later on May 26, 2016 I brought the LupieGirl back and have been writing ever since.
Even though I stated I would stop school after obtaining my Bachelors Degree, I wanted more. I applied and was later accepted into the Health Law Masters program at Nova Southeastern University.
In early 2016, I was told that due to the rapid attack of Lupus in my kidneys, I was advised to began dialysis or the consequences would be fatal. Heartbroken, confused, worried, frustrated, and scared, I consented to it. April 7, 2016 I was placed on Hemo-Dialysis and a month later, I agreed to start Peritoneal Dialysis. During that time I made a very difficult decision and decided to take a break from my studies to focus more on my health. However, in the Fall of that same year, I was up and ready to head back to my studies.
I had just completed a wonderful semester when a week later I received the call that will change my life forever. On December 7, 2016 I received a Kidney Transplant from the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. There, I received superior care and since then, my healing process has been excellent. I have a wonderful team who ensured that the kidney worked properly in accordance to my body. My family gave me much encouragement and support throughout this process.
Unfortunately, in October 2018, my transplanted kidney, Bobby, was no longer viable and had to be removed. I was placed back on dialysis and I had been listed for another Kidney Transplant. In March 2021, I received my second kidney transplant, Sammy. However, three months later, my kidney began to reject and began to fail. I have since then been placed back on dialysis where I have the privilege of doing it at home (Home Hemo-Dialysis). Despite it all, I continue to press forward. Lupus nor Renal Failure will stop my life. I've had to slow down a little to regain my strength but I am still progressing forward.
I'VE GOT THIS!
While obtaining that degree, I experienced many hardships with my disease. I experienced constant hospital visits, surprise rashes on my face and constant fatigue. Despite my family advising me to stop school to focus on my health, I said NO. With great determination and encouragement, in May of 2015 I walked across the stage and received my Bachelors of Applied Science Degree with a concentration in Health Management from Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, Florida.
It was then where I felt that it was important for me to start advocating on my own about the devastating disease. Many didn't know about the disease and I believed that it is just as important as any other chronic illness. I started working on The LupieGirl but was quickly discouraged and I deleted the site. However, almost a year later on May 26, 2016 I brought the LupieGirl back and have been writing ever since.
Even though I stated I would stop school after obtaining my Bachelors Degree, I wanted more. I applied and was later accepted into the Health Law Masters program at Nova Southeastern University.
In early 2016, I was told that due to the rapid attack of Lupus in my kidneys, I was advised to began dialysis or the consequences would be fatal. Heartbroken, confused, worried, frustrated, and scared, I consented to it. April 7, 2016 I was placed on Hemo-Dialysis and a month later, I agreed to start Peritoneal Dialysis. During that time I made a very difficult decision and decided to take a break from my studies to focus more on my health. However, in the Fall of that same year, I was up and ready to head back to my studies.
I had just completed a wonderful semester when a week later I received the call that will change my life forever. On December 7, 2016 I received a Kidney Transplant from the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. There, I received superior care and since then, my healing process has been excellent. I have a wonderful team who ensured that the kidney worked properly in accordance to my body. My family gave me much encouragement and support throughout this process.
Unfortunately, in October 2018, my transplanted kidney, Bobby, was no longer viable and had to be removed. I was placed back on dialysis and I had been listed for another Kidney Transplant. In March 2021, I received my second kidney transplant, Sammy. However, three months later, my kidney began to reject and began to fail. I have since then been placed back on dialysis where I have the privilege of doing it at home (Home Hemo-Dialysis). Despite it all, I continue to press forward. Lupus nor Renal Failure will stop my life. I've had to slow down a little to regain my strength but I am still progressing forward.
I'VE GOT THIS!
Despite her Illness,
The LupieGirl Supports
Community Service and Higher Education!
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The LupieGirl participated in the Equity Entrepreneur Center's (E2C) 2nd graduating class, 2nd to None, where she acquired crucial strategies and tools, applying them effectively to strengthen The LupieGirl, Inc. Moreover, this involvement offered her the opportunity to connect with fellow Black and Brown business owners who were also driving positive change within the community.
The Equity Entrepreneur Center is dedicated to furnishing comprehensive technical training and business support systems essential for upward mobility, increased capacity, growth, and sustained success. It addresses persistent economic barriers for Black, Brown, and Women-owned minority businesses by offering practical solutions. |
The LupieGirl is a proud Alumni of New Leaders Council (NLC) Palm Beach, a professional organization that trains the next generation of leaders through "institutes" where fellows meet individuals from different career paths, learn about fundraising, public speaking, and inclusivity to name a few.
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"Just because a person has a chronic illness and/or disability, it doesn't disqualify them from accomplishing dreams and goals that they have set out for themselves. I believe that ANYONE who wishes to do anything can and will as long as they remain strong with perseverance and endurance. I am a strong believer in being a leader and being at the leadership table."
-The LupieGirl
"Just because a person has a chronic illness and/or disability, it doesn't disqualify them from accomplishing dreams and goals that they have set out for themselves. I believe that ANYONE who wishes to do anything can and will as long as they remain strong with perseverance and endurance. I am a strong believer in being a leader and being at the leadership table."
-The LupieGirl
The LupieGirl is also a member of the renowned National Coalition of 100 Black Women where she along with other strong like minded women join together to create change in the community for the greater good.
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The LupieGirl received her Associates in Arts Degree from Palm Beach State in 2011 along with her Bachelors Degree in Health Management in 2015. In 2018 she also received her Masters Degree in Health Law with concentrations in Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management. |
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