Michelle Chippeaux-Kammerer

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Kansas woman is lifeline for lupus patients

WICHITA, Kansas,  – For dozens of lupus suffers, Michelle Chippeaux-Kammerer has been a literal lifesaver.

"We're there to help them go on the right path," Michelle said.

It's a path Michelle has traveled herself.

She started having joint problems when she was in high school.  It took doctors nine years to diagnose lupus.

She went through surgery and chemotherapy.

Then the leader of a local lupus support group told her she would have to go on disability, and quit college.  That's when Michelle really started fighting.

"It's just not my attitude to approach life that way," Michelle said.  "So then I just kicked into gear and went to work and finished school, went back for my masters and then I decided to start my own lupus support group."

Through that support group, and by spending hours on the phone and in person talking with those with lupus, Michelle has found a way to pass along that positive attitude.

"You know you can go on and live and you have a choice, control the disease or let the disease control you," Michelle said.

"One of the patients that I remember the most, a wonderful patient, I'm convinced she saved his life," Dr. Teresa A. Reynolds, rheumatologist, said.

Dr. Reynolds refers her patients struggling most with the disease to Michelle who has talked at least one out of suicide, counseled many others on medication and convinced even the most difficult to continue with treatment.

"Michelle is so positive and she doesn't let anyone wallow in self pity, she's great," Dr. Reynolds said.

And with a disease like lupus, the right attitude can make all the difference between leading a long and full life and death.
 
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