Cheryl Bratkowski, founder of the Harrogate branch of Lupus UK, has shared her story to help raise the profile of the autoimmune disease during Lupus Awareness Month, The Stray Ferret reported.
Bratkowski studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London but struggled to play because her fingers were numb, prompting her to become a music teacher in North Yorkshire. She was the only specialist music teacher for the county at the time, and her fatigue worsened and she developed kidney problems.
The Stray Ferret reported that Bratkowski was later diagnosed with systemic lupus, which affects the whole body, and endured flare-ups causing pneumonia, heart problems and neurological complications. She now works as a professional musician and still teaches locally at age 65, playing tennis, swimming and cycling.
Bratkowski also established a Harrogate support group with 18 members who meet every few months and raises awareness for the illness at Ripley Castle twice a year, The Stray Ferret reported.
For more information, visit thestrayferret.co.uk.