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Lupus patients are being affected amid the coronavirus pandemic

As the country deals with the impact of the novel corona virus also known as COVID-19, Lupus patients are being affected as well.

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Lupus patients are being affected amid the coronavirus pandemic

Across the world, countries have been dealing with the impact of the novel coronavirus also known as COVID-19.

As the number of cases and death toll continues to rise in the United States, scientists and medical professionals are working around the clock to find a vaccine for the deadly respiratory disease.

Clinical trials for vaccines have begun but it could take at least a year to be introduced to the public.

While several drug treatments are being used in hospitals and clinical trials, unfortunately no studies have officially proven their effectiveness. One drug in particular is hydroxychloroquine, a drug currently used to treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

During a White House press conference, President Trump touted the anti-malaria drug as a promising treatment along with the combination of Zithromax (Z-pack).

While I was optimistic to hear about this possible remedy to give relief to COVID-19 patients, I became deeply concerned about those who already take hydroxychloroquine unrelated to COVID-19.

I am one of those patients.

In 2014. I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease and a mild case of SLE Lupus. The medication hydroxychloroquine has saved my life.

When the announcement was made about the medication, my immediate concern was, would this prompt a surge in orders causing a short supply for those who need it?

After the FDA announced approval for the drug to be used for COVID-19 patients hospitalized or in clinical trials, the demand surged. Patients who take this drug for their autoimmune disorder immediately started to notice a shortage when it came time to refill the medication. Even some patients are rationing the amount of pills they take because of the shortage. Thankfully for myself, I have enough medication but time will only tell when I am due for a refill.

The shortage is more than concerning.

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. Without this drug, it can cause debilitating flare ups like fatigue, fever, joint pain, and inflammation. If I missed prolonged dosages of this medication, I would end up in the hospital. The hospital is the last place I want to be during a pandemic, especially being immuno-comprised.

Lupus patients already deal with the stressors of this disease. Imagine being without a medication that helps manage and lessen these symptoms.

Various organizations have taking charge by demanding government officials to address the issue. One of them is Chronic Endurance.

Chronic Endurance is a Texas non-profit who addresses issues autoimmune disease patients face. Its founder Jyrah Knight, an autoimmune warrior herself, wrote a letter to Texas governor Greg Abbott on behalf of the organization, urging Abbott to take the shortage seriously.

“I am writing this letter to express my sincere disdain and frustration about the way autoimmune disease patients are being prioritized amid the COVID 19 Crisis. Due to the presumptive statements made regarding the medication Hydroxychloroquine, many autoimmune patients including myself, are not able to receive the medication needed to sustain our daily lives.” Knight said.

The Lupus Foundation of America has also called on drug manufacturers to increase production of hydroxychloroquine, noting the efficacy and safety of these drugs for lupus are well known and routinely prescribed.

The shortage is unacceptable and the mounting frustration is understandable.

While a viable treatment and vaccine is imperative to control COVID-19, lupus patients who use the drug for survival need to be prioritized too during this crisis.

Let’s hope these officials take this seriously.

Hydroxychloroquine


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Health & Wellness

Hydeia Broadbent’s father launches GoFundMe following the activist’s death

Hydeia Broadbent passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, February 20th.

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Hydeia Broadbent father GoFundMe
Hydeia Broadbent (Photo Source: GoFundMe)

HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent’s father has launched a GoFundMe following her death.

Hydeia passed away Tuesday, February 20th, at 39 years old.

She passed away peacefully

Her father, Loren Broadbent, shared the news Wednesday on Facebook that she died peacefully from natural causes.

Hydeia was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.

At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.

Several years later after her diagnosis at age 6, Hydeia became a steadfast HIV/AIDS activist, committed to spreading awareness about the disease.

She appeared on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

In 2014, Hydeia became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation.

Hydeia Broadbent GoFundMe

In light of Hydeia’s untimely passing, her father has set up a GoFundMe.

“Hi, I am Loren Broadbent, the father of Hydeia Broadbent. Yesterday afternoon Hydeia unexpectedly passed away. Our hearts are broken. Hydeia spent her whole life since the age of five showing us all how to love, fight, and speak up for those affected with HIV and AIDS. And as much as I wish she was still here fighting the great fight, God called her home. Letting us all know. Job well done”, the GoFundMe reads.

“In honor of her memory the family would like to lay her to rest. So at this time we are asking for donations. Along with well wishes and prayers. We would like to thank you in advance. Thank you, and let’s all keep her memory alive and continue the fight where she left off.”

The family is seeking to raise $20,000. At the time of this posting, they have raised approximately $14,000.

If you are interested in donating to Hydeia’s celebration of life and supporting the family, please visit the GoFundMe for more information.


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Health & Wellness

Hydeia Broadbent, AIDS activist and motivational speaker, dies at 39

Hydeia Broadbent passed away at 39 from natural causes.

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Hydeia Broadbent
Hydeia Broadbent (Facebook)

Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent AIDS activist and motivational speaker, has passed away at age 39.

Confirmation of Hydeia Broadbent’s passing

Her passing was confirmed by her father Loren Broadbent, in a post on Facebook, sharing Hydeia died from natural causes.

“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor, and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth,” his post read.

“Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS.”

Her incredible story

According to her website, Broadbent was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and, as an infant, was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.

At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.

Hydeia Broadbent and her activism

Hydeia Broadbent on Oprah

Hydeia Broadbent on Oprah

Hydeia became an activist at age 6, telling her story to the masses on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

Motivational speaker

In 1996, she was a speaker at the Republican National Convention, she stated “I am the future, and I have AIDS.”

In 2002, her family published a book entitled “You Get Past The Tears,” she appeared with her family on “Extreme Home Makeover” in 2004.

Until her passing, she was an international motivational speaker and AIDS activist.

In 2014, she became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation, as well as other AIDS activist organizations, in order “to educate people about HIV/AIDS, raise awareness, and fight discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS.”

“People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you are aware and informed,” Broadbent said.

“I use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.”

Most of us watched Hydeia and her bravery as she shared her story on this autoimmune disease. Her courage was something to be admired.

Unheard Voices sends its heartfelt condolences to Hydeia’s family and loved ones.


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Health & Wellness

Snoop Dogg’s daughter suffers “severe” stroke

Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed in an instagram post she suffered a “severe” stroke.

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Cori broadus suffers stroke

Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed she suffered a stroke.

Cori Broadus suffers stroke

On Thursday, the 24-year-old posted a photo on her Instagram Story from the hospital following the health scare.

“I had a severe stroke this a.m. I started breaking down crying when they told me,” she wrote. “Like I’m only 24, what did I do in my past to deserve all of this.”

Cori Broadus stroke (Photo Source: Instagram)

(Photo Source: Instagram)

Although Broadus didn’t provide any specific details on what led to her stroke or her recovery, the singer has had a difficult health journey for years after being diagnosed with lupus at age 6.

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that makes your immune system damage organs and tissue throughout your body. It causes inflammation that can affect your skin, joints, blood and organs like your kidneys, lungs and heart.

Let’s keep Cori and all those battling autoimmune diseases like Lupus in our prayers. It is certainly a daily fight.


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