Shortly after marrying Ken, her best friend and soulmate in February of 1975, Katy Conklin, at thirty-five, learned that she had SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), an incurable autoimmune disease that can attack any part of the body. For Katy, lupus initially affected her joints often causing pain and fatigue. Later, this insidious disease progressed to her lungs and circulatory system, leading to asthma and then to blood clots, including DVTs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in her legs, and eventually to lupus-induced strokes.
Instead of giving in to lupus, Katy, a positive person by nature, vows to overcome the lupus obstacles and live as full a life as possible. She finds success in her work as a CEO of several branches of a non-profit organization. She also uses her music and acting ability to find fulfillment with a semi-professional chorus and by singing and acting with a retirement village entertainment company. With her husband by her side throughout her struggles, she achieves success in her work and in her daily life.
