PATIENT STORY

Kiara and Moses Graham Lupus Story

Father and Daughter

Hi, my name is Moses Graham, and I have lupus. I originally discovered I had it when I was in my 40s. I just got home from working two consecutive shifts at the post office and pulled into my driveway. I couldn’t get out of the car due to my joints being so stiff. I had to crawl out of my vehicle and have my wife assist me to walk up the

Moses’ Story

driveway into our home. I didn’t know what was wrong, so I went to the doctor and they ran some tests. A week after my appointment, I got a request from the doctor for a follow-up slated to be a month later. I thought I had a fatal condition, and nerves got the best of me, so I called the doctor’s office. After some back and forth, they revealed to me that I had lupus.

The whole experience was a huge transition in my daily life. I had to make modifications, such as avoiding prolonged time in the sun to avoid flare-ups and taking daily medication to help ease symptoms. Some days are harder than others. There are many aches and pains associated with lupus. The pain for me primarily resides in the joints and certain muscles. This can make daily life cumbersome, but it’s possible to adjust and still have a fruitful life.

When I found out my daughter had lupus, it had a major effect on her life, and she did not adjust well. I tried talking to her and telling her the do’s and dont’s when you struggle with our condition.

I wanted to make sure she knew that you can still have a great life as long as you make an effort to adjust. With the pain that comes from lupus, some days you just can’t get up and go, even if you want to. The biggest thing that I had to deal with was avoiding stress. This applied to my daughter also. We had many conversations, focusing on how to let minor things go and not stress you out. I turned 67 recently, and although it’s difficult at times, lupus is a liveable condition. What I want others with lupus to take away from my story is to try to find a certain peace of mind and not let the fact that you have lupus deter you from living a great life.

When I was a freshman in high school, I began experiencing symptoms that were difficult to explain and even harder to endure. The fatigue, the joint pain, the flares—they all started to increase rapidly, making it impossible to ignore. With the support of my family, I sought help from a rheumatologist at Children’s Hospital. After several trials and errors, I was diagnosed with lupus. At just 13 years old, I found myself hospitalized—a moment that was not only terrifying but also life-changing. That experience introduced me to a new reality, one that would challenge me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, is often unpredictable. It affects each individual differently, which can make navigating daily life feel like walking through a minefield. Some days are better than others, but the uncertainty of the disease has forced me to grow up fast and learn how to manage my health with care and discipline.

One of the biggest blessings in my journey has been my dad. He also lives with lupus, and having him by my side has made a tremendous difference. Whenever I experience a new symptom or flare-up, I lean on him. We compare notes, symptoms, and coping strategies. His wisdom, built from years of managing the disease himself, makes my path a little easier to walk. More than that, his strength is something I admire deeply.

Now that I’m older, I recognize that my father is the strongest man in the world. Not only has he endured the challenges of lupus, but he’s also survived cancer, heart attacks, and a stroke. Despite all of that, he remains a survivor— resilient, optimistic, and always pushing forward. His strength reminds me every day that I, too, can survive and thrive despite the obstacles lupus throws my way.

While lupus has shaped my journey, it hasn’t defined my destination. I graduated from Pickerington Central High School at just 15 years old in 2013—a proud moment that set the tone for the drive and determination I carry today. Since then, I’ve become the founder of KG Selph Made Tax Services, where I help individuals and families take control of their financial futures. I also launched my own mobile laundry service 614 Mobile Laun- work, my energy, my relationships, and sometimes even my mental health. But it has also shaped me into a person who is compassionate, understanding, and determined. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, to rest when I need it, and to celebrate every step forward— no matter how small. dry Services, serving both personal and professional clients with reliable, same-day care. And I’m not stopping there—I’m currently working toward becoming a licensed realtor by December 2025.

This disease does not define me, and it certainly doesn’t control me. With love, support, and the unshakable example my dad has set, I know I can keep moving forward. Together, we remind ourselves and others. As you read our stories, I hope my father’s and my stories can bring a positive impact on your lupus journey.

Despite the challenges I’ve faced, I’ve chosen to lead a life full of purpose, ambition, and faith. I’ve built businesses from the ground up while managing my health, and I’ve remained committed to inspiring others along the way. Whether it’s through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, or community service, my mission is to help others rise above their circumstances—just as I continue to do.

Living with lupus is not easy. It affects every part of my life—my