DESPITE being plagued by burn-like lesions all over her body, this fiery aspiring model loves every inch of her skin. At just 23-years-old, Jokiva Bellard is a regular at her local A&E, thanks to countless visits caused by the debilitating autoimmune disease mistakenly attacking healthy tissue - lupus. The autoimmune disease comes in many forms, with most sufferers experiencing mild symptoms, but for those who suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it can be life-threatening. When Jokiva, from Sunset, Louisiana, was first diagnosed while studying, she thought that she could just carry on as normal, but she swiftly found out that the disease would change her life forever. After her kidneys failing landed her in A&E, Jokiva lost 50 lbs in just 10 days and realised that she had to take the disease seriously. After liveblogging an A&E experience on Facebook, Jokiva has used her online presence to raise awareness of lupus and to celebrate her unique beauty - blisters and all.
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