Zoe Karakikla-MitsakouMy name is Melina and I live in the easternmost, warmest, and sunniest part of Europe, the small island of Cyprus. I have lived with lupus for the last 21 years, most of my life, if you count that I am 37 years old. I have also made a dream come true and I want to share it with you. My dream was to run a 5km race wearing the jersey of the Cyprus League of People with Rheumatism (CYPLER) and to run for all people with rheumatic, musculoskeletal diseases. I also want to share with you my experience and my thoughts during the race. With faith in myself, with the support of the wider association (CYPLER) as well as the members of the lupus group I made my dream come true. My biggest “problem” all these years was my lack of self-confidence, as I was very late to join our association because of my beliefs. I will not forget my first acquaintance with the lupus group in the furniture restoration workshop; how much strength and confidence I gained from this workshop. Doing things outside the norm gave me pleasure and strength!
Running towards the dream
There I was walking in the park one day, watching others running. The thought came to me that with the right guidance I could do what I have been dreaming of for years, namely, to run long distance. To run a race, say 5km.
During the duration of the race, because it took place at10.45 am the heat and the sun were too much, it “stole” my energy and made the whole run hopelessly endless. When I came upon the first “refuelling station” that had water, I took a small sip to quench my thirst and kept the bottle for later. The heat in my body combined with the heat outside was becoming unbearable. In my mind were so many thoughts, but I was mainly thinking of the girls at the association (CYPLER), the people with lupus who cheered me on in this effort shouting “Melina go, go, go Melina go goooooo”. I shouted it too with so much intensity that I even encouraged my fellow runners and I also kept running.
I then realised I had passed the 2.5 km mark and that there would be another refuelling station soon! As soon as I got there, I took off my hat and doused myself with water. I then tried to stay on the side of the running path that was in the shade.
When I saw the finish arch, I gathered all my strength and started to run harder! In the last few meters, I felt so exhausted. But the joy of completing the race was great! When I reached the finish line and actually realised that I finished, it struck me that, for that race, I overcame so many of the obstacles a lupus patient can have in her life: sun, heat, dust, the cold rainy days (the time of preparation), the fatigue, the mental strain of effort. I found a solution to all the problems that happened throughout the race. But the race isn’t a 5km one; this race is our whole life. The winner is not only the one who finishes first, but also the one who fights until the end with all their strength.
The Dream Continues
At this point I want to say that the dream continues!! I have been invited through a sports group on Facebook to another race in Crete; have signed up for the 10km and I have already started preparing! I will continue to run for all of you! Dreams are many steps taken together and they only become a reality one step at a time. Once upon a time I could not climb a single floor without stopping two or three times due to fatigue, but now I can!
Written by Melina Georgiou, Member of the CYPLER Lupus Group
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article belong to the author. Please note that sun exposure is generally contraindicated for individuals with lupus. For more information, read: Can I sunbathe with lupus
