Resilience & Advocacy: Sophia Galvis on Living with Lupus as a Teen

Navigating Chronic Illness, Mental Health & Youth
Empowerment


In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, I sit down with
Sophia Galvis, a 17-year-old lupus
warrior who has been living with lupus since she was
diagnosed at age 12.


Despite facing the challenges of a chronic illness at a young
age, Sophia has turned her journey into one of advocacy,
resilience, and inspiration for others.





She opens up about:
️ The emotional and physical toll of lupus as a
teenager
️ The crucial role of family support in her
journey
️ How mental health and creative outlets help
her cope
️ Using social media as a tool for
advocacy
️ Her dreams of pursuing a career in communications &
performing arts





This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating life with a
chronic illness, especially young people looking for
inspiration, community, and hope.


Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more


Key Takeaways:


Diagnosed at 12—Sophia’s journey began on her
12th birthday, changing her life forever.
Family first—The unwavering support of her loved
ones helped her find strength in tough times.
Mental health matters—Sophia highlights the
emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness.
Advocacy is powerful—She is passionate about
raising awareness for lupus, especially among
young people.
Creativity heals—Music and performing arts serve
as a therapeutic escape.
Better treatments are needed—She hopes to see
more personalized medications for lupus in the
future.
Social media connects—Platforms like Instagram
and TikTok allow her to share her story and empower
others.
Dreaming big—Sophia aspires to a career
in communications and performing arts to continue her
impact.


Memorable Quotes from Sophia:


"There is another side."
"I love talking to people."
"I would like to see a lot actually."


Episode Breakdown:


00:00 – Introduction to Sophia’s Journey with
Lupus
03:12 – The Role of Family in Recovery
05:15 – Advice for Young Lupus Patients
06:36 – The Power of Advocacy in Raising
Awareness
08:53 – Challenges in Finding the Right
Treatment
10:15 – Mental Health & Self-Care
Strategies
11:19 – Finding Strength in Music &
Creativity
13:36 – Sophia’s Vision for the Future &
Advocacy
15:16 – Gratitude & Personal Growth
16:28 – Using Social Media to Inspire Others





Follow & Connect:


Follow Sophia Galvis
Instagram: @sophiargalvis
TikTok: @sophiagalvis_watkins





️ Follow Lupus Speaks Podcast for more inspiring
stories!
Website: LupusSpeaks.org
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Lupus awareness, chronic illness advocacy, teen lupus
warrior, mental health and chronic illness, lupus in young
people, resilience with chronic illness, family support for
chronic illness, self-care for lupus, youth empowerment, social
media for advocacy