Kawanna perine

There are numerous titles that aptly describe Kawanna Perine: mother, sister, daughter, mentor, professional, multitasker, and SURVIVOR. In 2006, after experiencing years of uncertain muscle and joint aches along with extreme fatigue, Kawanna received a diagnosis of Lupus at the age of 29. This autoimmune disease, more prevalent in African-American women, can affect every organ in the body, leading to fatigue, rashes, kidney failure, and even death.

Despite the challenges posed by Lupus, Kawanna refused to allow the illness to define her life negatively. A few years later, she co-founded the Sisters Against Lupus (SAL) foundation to raise awareness, support survivors, and raise funds for a cure. Her unwavering passion for this cause propels her to continually seek new strategies to combat this disease affecting over 1.6 million people in the U.S.

Driven by her faith, Kawanna discovered through fasting and prayer that Lupus was not destroying her, but rather her spirit was suffering due to a lack of forgiveness. This revelation led her to forgive others and believe for total healing—mentally, spiritually, and PHYSICALLY. In 2012, she participated in a Lupus clinical research study, and to the physician's amazement, her labs showed no signs of Lupus in her body. This marked the moment of her complete healing, leading to her disqualification from the study.

Kawanna's message to others battling Lupus or any chronic disease is to persist in prayer for healing, continue speaking healing into existence, and steadfastly believe in it, regardless of the current circumstances. Her desire is to serve as a beacon of hope, peace, love, and healing, using her journey as a testimony to encourage others.

For those affected by Lupus or interested in supporting the cause, visit www.sistersagainstlupus.org.