Ashleigh’s heart holds a treasury of precious memories of her mother, Beryl, who bravely faced the challenges of lupus until her passing. Beryl’s journey with the disease began with subtle symptoms that gradually intensified, leading to her official diagnosis in the mid-2000s after years of uncertainty and countless visits to specialists. After her doctor initially diagnosed her with lupus in the Cayman Islands, it was later retracted, forcing Beryl to seek further medical evaluation for answers. Her diagnosis journey took her to specialists in Miami, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Jamaica. It was in Miami where she finally received her diagnosis, nearly seven years from the onset of her symptoms.
The butterfly rash appeared first, followed by nodules, dry skin, and her hair falling out. The effects of lupus proved difficult for Beryl; she was a yard person and loved being in the sun and at the beach. The lumps started on her feet and began to creep all over her body. Despite her unwavering resilience, lupus nephritis and multiple organ failure eventually claimed her life, leaving behind a legacy of love and courage.
Beryl was more than a mother; she was a beacon of light in the lives of those around her. Her vibrant personality and innate ability to bring people together created an atmosphere of warmth and joy wherever she went. Whether engaging in her beloved sports activities, nurturing her garden, or simply spending quality time with loved ones on the porch, Beryl’s presence was a source of comfort and inspiration.
“She was the wild one, but also the glue. She brought everyone together. Everyone was always at my house. She’d just sit on the porch talking to everyone, drinking coffee.”
In the face of adversity, Beryl’s kindness and generosity shone brightest. She offered support and solace to those in need, leaving a mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her laughter, love, and unwavering spirit continue to resonate in the memories of all who knew her, a testament to the enduring power of her spirit.
“She just was fun, and funny. And that’s why everyone loved her. Anytime you think about her, you think of her laughing. She loved watching TV and read thousands of books. She would read while watching TV,” Ashleigh recounted with a laugh. “She didn’t like to be in the quiet. She loved to go dancing. She would be at Merengue Town dancing every Friday.”
To honor her mother’s memory and continue her legacy of compassion, Ashleigh embarked on a mission to raise awareness about lupus and support those affected by the disease. Aside from her mother, Ashleigh’s cousin also has lupus. She created a tribute page and actively supports the Lupus Foundation of America, striving to ensure that others do not endure the same challenges her mother and cousin faced. She even incorporated her fundraising efforts into her wedding, where guests were invited to support the charities selected by the bride and groom.
“I felt like it was important because lupus still isn’t well known. I don’t think there’s much research on it. I just wanted to be able to support that initiative the best I could so people wouldn’t suffer like my mom and cousin. I hated seeing her suffer and being frustrated and discouraged. When my mom was really bad, my cousins would be the ones to come around and help her. She would be too sick and weak to move. I want people to have that independence. Improve diagnosis times.”
Additionally, Ashleigh ran a half marathon in Beryl’s honor, not only to celebrate her mother’s life but also to raise funds for lupus research and advocacy. Through these efforts, Ashleigh seeks to shine a light on the often-overlooked struggles of those living with lupus and to offer hope to individuals and families affected by the disease.
In honoring Beryl, we pay homage to a life lived with courage, grace, and boundless love. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity, compassion, and resilience.
If you have lost a loved one, you can create a tribute page in their honor. They are a way for you to share their story, while also allowing others to honor their memory with a donation.
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