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Meet the Mata Sisters: Juana and Estela

May 6, 2016

Juana is a full-time mother, wife, social worker, and lupus patient.  Estela is also a full-time working mother, wife, and supportive sister.                       Mata

In 2009, Juana was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (lupus).  Estela explains, “We knew very little about lupus so we began to search for information. It was then that I came across the Lupus LA website and decided to attend the Alhambra support group. It was amazing to share and have others share their stories about lupus and to have people who understand what you are going through.”

In 2010, Estela and Juana decided that they wanted to be a bigger part of the Lupus LA family. They started Looms4Lupus, one of nine Lupus LA support groups, in Baldwin Park. Together they facilitate the group sessions for patients and their families while teaching everyone how to loom knit.
Estela and Juana give of their time as volunteers for Lupus LA and the community-at-large. Juana shares, “Estela and I participate in the ‘Latest on Lupus’ Patient Conferences where we learn about current medical trends in fighting this disease. In addition, we network with other volunteers and service providers. Lupus LA to me means support, support for me as a lupus patient and as a facilitator.”

We are so lucky to have people like Estela and Juana as part of the Lupus LA family. To learn more about their support group held on the second Saturday of the month in Baldwin Park, please check out www.Looms4Lupus.org or www.lupusla.org.