Recognizing Francine Houston

Facts on Lupus :::

LUPUS is an illness that occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a long-lasting, known as chronic, illness that can affect many parts of the body. These can include joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

Symptoms can come on quickly or slowly. They can get worse for a while, then get better, which is called a flare. A common sign is a rash over the cheeks and nose in the shape of a butterfly. But not everyone gets the rash.

Treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus depends on symptoms. Medicines include pain relievers, medicines used to treat malaria, steroids, biologics and medicines that lower immune system responses

For years Ms. Houston has been navigating her life with poise. She is a multitalented individual who enjoys fashion, graphics/media and writing. She is a graduate of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich., with a bachelor’s degree in communication design. Francine also earned associate’s degrees in applied graphic design from Mott Community College in Flint, Mich., and in fashion design from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Troy, Mich. Furthermore, she is a graduate of the School of the Bible 2 in Southfield, Mich.

She is also the founder of two businesses: FH Designs, for which she is the principal fashion designer, and Cineik Media. Francine was recognized for her accomplishments with the Excellence Award from Women of Distinction magazine in 2015.

Francine is also a member of Lupus Detroit and helps with their events as much as possible. A lupus survivor, she wrote a book about her battle with the disease entitled Lupus Journey, published in 2016. Its sequel, Life After Lupus, was released in 2018. She was featured in Lupus Now magazine’s Fall 2014 issue and graced the October 2018 cover of the periodical Discovering You. Her third book is Strength of a Woman: The Last Journey, a poetry and short-story book . In 2019, she published a self-care guide called Everyday Heroes: Learning to Cope and Heal (It’s ok to take the cape off sometimes). She’s recently published in 2022 an anthology with other women called I am woman with the visionary Verlisa Wearing and poetry book Random Thoughts.

Interview Questions

1. What advice can you give to someone who has been diagnosed ?

Lupus is not a death sentence. Taking care of yourself such as proper nutritional diet, exercise, and sleep can be very beneficial .

2.Do you enjoy group meetings with those who share the same problems?

I am usually apart of a lupus support group. I went to the lupus conference last year, lupus walk with lupus detroit, and try to go the lupus Detroit group meetings and events.

3.Do you prefer privacy to certain things regarding Lupus? Yes certain things since lupus can affect any organ of your body. Certain woman’s examinations I would rather keep private.

4.How can others help support the cause?

Others can help by participating in the lupus walks and be a support system for those you know who has lupus.

5.How do you plan on celebrating this Month?

I am going to see if there are any events for lupus organizations that I know of and go to them.