Special Lupus Advocate for our Sneakers Gala

Meet Candi Faulk-Penn the 4 A’s Sisters Lupus Club 2026 Lupus Special Lupus Advocate, born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. Seven years ago, she was diagnosed with SLE Lupus. Not knowing what Lupus was, Candi did not know what to expect of this silent disease. After being told she was diagnosed with Lupus, she found herself angry, asking God “Why me?” After finding herself in denial about this silent disease, all she could think was that she wanted to be considered “normal” one day.

Like her, many may not know what Lupus is, and that’s ok, it is not that discussed, however, she wants to share what she knows about Lupus.

What is lupus? Lupus is a highly complex autoimmune disease that can affect any organ in your body. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body.

Symptoms vary among people and may be mild to severe. Signs and symptoms may include butterfly rash on the face, hair loss, fatigue, mouth ulcers, swollen and joint pain, lung problems, heart problems, kidney problems. These are some of the symptoms that Lupus can include for her.

However, she came to realize that her own personal journey can be helpful to others and can make a difference. The emotions she feels regularly knowing that having to deal with a chronic illness with no cure is tragic.

Lupus is like a roller coaster, each day you will have your highs and lows. Over the years this disease has manifested into other illnesses including arthritis, Hashimoto, thyroid disease, Neutropenia, Osteopenia and otherunderlying conditions. Other stressors that she has endured are the many visits to specialists, bloodwork every three months, medication changes, and countless medical bills she incur from living each day with Lupus.

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Only those with Lupus will understand the challenges Candi faces on a daily basis. However, one day she hopes there is a cure so others won’t have to suffer as she does. Until that day, one thing she has learned through this journey is that it is not easy. Candi has learned to be her biggest advocate, have the confidence and hope for a cure, to keep her faith, not only for herself but, for her husband, her son, and a wonderful grandson. They give her a purpose and a reason to keep fighting and not to give up.

You do not want to miss this powerful evening of inspiration, hope, and celebration!

Through her experiences, she has learned to appreciate every day she wakes up and remind herself that she’s more than someone with Lupus. She’s a warrior, and she’s here to remind you that even on the hard days, Lupus will not defeat her, she will fight it. Like stated in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

🎟️ Tickets are still available!
Purchase online at 4 A Sisters Club
📞 Or call: 337-258-1666

Grand Marshall has been announced!

His name is Jude Pitts, Grand Marshal for this years End Lupus Walk, he was diagnosed with SLE lupus in 2013. What began as a diagnosis became a journey that has tested his strength, faith, and endurance in ways he never imagined. Through countless medications, multiple biopsies, and even participation in a clinical trial, he has continued to fight—not just for his health, but for hope.

Jude path has included chemotherapy and ongoing injections to manage this disease, and although it has been nine months since his last treatment due to shingles, his fight has never paused. Each challenge has shaped him, not broken him.

He stands today as a testament to resilience, choosing courage over fear and purpose over pain. His journey is not just about lupus—it’s about perseverance, awareness, and the unwavering belief that even in the hardest moments, strength can rise and hope can endure.

To everyone battling lupus, you are seen, you are strong, and you are never alone in this fight. Always remember keep GOD first.

Tickets at 4asistersclub.com
Busy 🐝 Louisiana

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I am Cindy Zenon

She’s more than just a Warrior:

Cindy calls herself a doer and giver. She’s a certified personal trainer, a mentor, Life & Health Coach, mother and grandmother – and the owner of Time for Results Fitness, a fitness group geared to helping women discover how strong they are despite a size, age or illness.

She also hosts support groups for women that have been victims of sexual assault, crimes of violence, suicide and molestation.

When she was 22, she felt as if her world was going to slip away. Suddenly, after the birth of her son, it was painful to perform daily task, body aches, fevers, vomiting, constantly tired or sick.

Her symptoms included fibromyalgia, severe fatigue, fevers, sore throats, butterfly rash on the face and chest,hair loss, mouth ulcers, arthritis, lung and heart problems,unexplained bruising, weight loss/gain, fluid retention , brain fog, gastrointestinal issues such as severe C.V. and prolapse heart valve.

Years later, after she was diagnosed with LUPUS. Although African American women like herself have a greater risk of developing the disease, most haven’t heard of lupus, or know little about it. “Why isn’t lupus becoming a household name for women of color?” She wondered. Now, Cindy don’t wonder. Now she’s a full-fledged lupus warrior – even as she battles daily symptoms. Cindy participates in mentoring, 5k, obstacles courses, sister circle meetings and fitness coaching! But it took her many years to come to terms with her diagnosis and the fact that no one including the people close to her would understand her pain. Cindy had to overcome feeling ill and alone all at the same time. This lead to being diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Which the doctor stated lots of women with Lupus do develop.

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Cindy Turpeau-Zenon also remember apologizing to her family in prayer for being ill and for wanting to spend more time alone recovering from daily task. But in time she found other lupus sisters, as well as perfectly healthy friends who became strong advocates and her top supporters. She managed to battle it all and is still here to tell other women that there is so more fight in us! There is no longer a reason to stay overwhelmed with feelings of loneliness and isolation when you first find out you have lupus. Reach out to another people.

Cindy’s voice combined with others is no longer an echo, but an instrument to move mountains!

The support is available through the Foundations, 4 A’s Sisters Lupus Club, doctors, friends and family. It can be like a door opening and thousands of people like you and her are standing on the other side, as though waiting for the next “Cindy.”

Cindy have been actively involved in the health and wellness industry to assist other women like herself and live every day to the fullest – whether it’s hiking with her family and friends or spending the day in bed.

Cindy later found that her pregnancy may have been a trigger for lupus flare, although lupus flared from that moment on, She’s thankful for her family.

Today, she is still hoping for a remission of all symptoms. CINDY family is doing well and have even become more compassionate.

At the end of the day, Cindy realized that allowing her circle to see her battle and fight whatever lupus brings her way is only going to prepare them for whatever life may bring to them as well.
Sometimes, that might be a healthy brownie or cupcake lol, a fitness day or a day in bed. Cindy just take it all one day at a time.

She’s a lupus warrior but more importantly She’s CINDY!

Her advice is to never judge because looks like YOU… Lupus looks like HER.

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