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.
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.