At 21, life is often envisioned as a path of unfolding opportunities – finishing college, pursuing a global career, and exploring the world. For Veronica Vargas Lupo, however, this pivotal age brought a different reality: a journey through hospital rooms and specialist appointments, grappling with symptoms that defied easy explanation. After years of uncertainty, she finally received a diagnosis that would change everything: lupus. What she didn’t realize then was that this life-altering condition would become one of her greatest teachers.
Learning the Power of Self-Advocacy
The experience of navigating a complex diagnosis at a young age taught Veronica a crucial lesson: self-advocacy. “That experience taught me how to advocate for myself — not just in healthcare, but in every area of life,” she shared with BlackDoctor.org. “When you’re young and trying to make sense of a diagnosis like lupus, it’s easy to feel dismissed or unheard. I learned the importance of persistence, asking questions, and trusting my own instincts.”
This early foundation in self-advocacy became the bedrock for how she approaches every challenge. Lupus, she explains, provided her with a unique perspective, allowing her to face obstacles with determination and hope. “Lupus gave me a sense of perspective. I can look at a challenge, an obstacle, or just a bad day, and base my reaction accordingly. It allows me to keep moving forward with determination and hope.”
Redefining Ambition and Finding a New Path
Being diagnosed during her senior year of college meant Veronica had to rewrite her meticulously planned future. “It was not easy,” she admitted. “I was very determined, and this was not a part of the plan I had for myself.” Her initial goals included pursuing a master’s degree in international business, extensive travel, and building a global career.
While life took an unexpected turn, Veronica didn’t abandon her ambitions; she reframed them. “It took years — and a lot of support — to realize that maybe my path would just look a little different. I might reach my goals in five years instead of two, but I could still get there.” Moving to New York City alone was a testament to her courage, and she found a way to pursue her career goals with flexibility, eventually finding a fulfilling role at IBM.
Family Support and Personal Strength
Lupus wasn’t entirely unfamiliar to Veronica’s family, as her mother had been diagnosed with a milder form years prior. However, her own diagnosis, which led to an ICU stay, was far more severe and terrifying for everyone involved. “No one was prepared for lupus to suddenly become this big, serious thing,” she recalled. During this crisis, her family, particularly her father, provided immense support, helping her navigate the initial challenges.
After moving to New York, Veronica took on the responsibility of managing her health independently. Refusing to let fear dictate her life, she became actively involved with the Lupus Research Alliance, joining its Young Leadership Board. “There, we were doing something, building, and making an impact. That kind of support helps me the best— being active, positive, and forward-looking.”
Leadership Lessons from Lupus
Veronica has found surprising parallels between her corporate leadership roles and her journey with lupus. “Business moves a lot faster than lupus, which has been a big learning for me. I’ve had to rewire how I think about progress,” she noted. The patience and perspective required to manage lupus have translated into her professional life, helping her navigate complex projects and stakeholder communications.
She’s learned to be intentional about her daily health management, scheduling important tasks around her energy levels and prioritizing self-care. “I email my doctor when something feels off. I work out as much as I can within my limits, take my vitamins, eat well, and structure my days around my energy level.” Planning around lupus, rather than fighting it, has become her strategy.
The Strength in Vulnerability and Advocacy
A significant turning point in her advocacy journey was sharing her diagnosis publicly for the first time. Initially hesitant, fearing judgment, Veronica found immense liberation in the support of her peers and advocates. “It felt so liberating, as if a huge weight had been lifted,” she shared. “That moment reminded me that vulnerability is strength. It made me realize how much community and advocacy can empower us, not just as patients, but as people.”
Shaping the Future of Lupus Research
Veronica is deeply committed to ensuring patient perspectives are central to lupus research. As an author of a study presented at the 2025 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence and through her work with the Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium (Lupus ABC), she champions patient involvement. “It’s critical. Without the voices of people living with lupus, trials will fail. The moment you bring patients into the process, you set research up for success,” she stated.
The Lupus ABC initiative, a public-private partnership with the FDA, brings together diverse stakeholders to address the complexities of lupus drug development. Veronica finds hope in this global collaboration, recognizing that lupus affects minorities at higher rates and that an inclusive perspective is crucial for unlocking answers. “If we miss humanity, we miss science. Listening to people living with lupus ensures researchers see the full picture.”
Redefining Balance and Moving Forward
Today, Veronica defines balance not as a constant state but as a dynamic process of reprioritization. “Balance is about prioritizing what matters in the moment, which might be, at times, your family, your work, or your health,” she explained. She emphasizes the importance of asking for help and reassessing needs moment by moment. Her message to young women newly diagnosed with lupus is one of empowerment: “Lupus is not the end of what you thought your life would be.” It may require adjustments, but life remains theirs to build, with unpredictability often creating unforeseen opportunities. Setting healthy boundaries and pushing forward, even one small step at a time, is key to living a full life with lupus.
What lessons have you learned from facing personal challenges? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
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