February has been traditionally recognized as Black History Month for nearly 50 years to honor accomplishments of Black Americans – 2025 focuses on contributions in the workforce. LRA is pleased to honor the achievements of so many in the lupus community managing a disease that disproportionately affects people of color. We bring you Sharon V. Simmons — an inspiring story of someone who found a way to reimagine and fulfill lifelong career goals in the face of limitations posed by lupus.

For years, Sharon had been quietly battling a mysterious illness, unaware of its full scope. “I missed many days of school because I couldn’t walk the short distance from my home, but no one knew why,” she recalls. Though she struggled with these unexplained symptoms, they didn’t define her. In fact, there were years when life seemed to take a turn for the better. “Then, with no apparent reason, I felt well enough to attend college, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education and later working as an advisor for the Educational Talent Search Program at a local community college.”

However, her relief didn’t last. Eventually, the same disease would resurface, bringing with it the all-too-common mobility issues and excruciating joint pain that came with lupus and her other autoimmune conditions. These limitations forced Sharon into early retirement. Yet, what might have slowed others down only redirected her energy in a new direction.

As she reflects on this shift, she says, “I never stopped dancing. I’m just dancing to a different tune with different dance partners.” Despite no longer being able to work full-time, Sharon didn’t let her health define her purpose. Instead, she found new ways to use her skills and knowledge to help others. For the past 25 years, she has been a passionate volunteer and advocate within the lupus community, dedicating her time to educating and supporting others who are navigating the same journey.

Her involvement goes beyond just lending a helping hand; it’s deeply personal. As a clinical trial participant herself, Sharon is determined to ensure that every individual with lupus has access to vital information about clinical research and the opportunity to participate in life-changing trials. She was excited to become a peer-to-peer educator in the Patient Advocates for Lupus Studies (PALS) that Lupus Therapeutics developed to help inform and support others who are considering joining a clinical trial. “I strongly believe in participating in clinical studies. And it is such a good feeling to know you’ve been part of the drug development process, especially when a drug gets approved!” she shares. The satisfaction of knowing her efforts have directly contributed to the development of new treatments is a reward like no other.

In addition to her advocacy in the clinical trial space, Sharon also serves as the first elected National President of Lambda Sigma Sigma Lupus Sorority, Incorporated, the very first lupus sorority. It’s a powerful sisterhood of women united by their fight for a cure. Under her leadership, four chapters across the country work together to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for those living with lupus. “We are lupus soldiers on the battlefield for a cure,” she proudly states.

Sharon also has been involved with Las Amigas Incorporated for more than a decade on the local, regional and national levels which supports the lupus community annually.

And if there’s one thing Sharon wants others to know, it’s this: “As you battle disease, just know you are not alone in this fight. You are individually created for a purpose which may be unseen to you at this time, but others will observe something special in you — such as courage, strength, endurance, perseverance, but mostly, beauty from your battle scars.” Her message is a reminder to all who face health challenges that they are part of a larger community, and their fight is not in vain.

“I encourage you to join a lupus support group, a lupus sorority, clinical studies to help yourself as well as the generations to come. But mostly, be TRUE to yourself first and then others. Tell your story because someone else needs to hear from you.”