How Lupus Changed Motherhood
Lupus and motherhood are at the heart of Diana’s story — a powerful reflection on resilience, grief, hope, and living with lupus for more than 30 years.
This Mother’s Day and World Lupus Day, Lupus Canada is sharing Diana’s journey through unimaginable health challenges, heartbreak, uncertainty, and ultimately hope. Her story is a reminder that lupus affects far more than physical health. It impacts families, futures, relationships, mental health, and the moments people dream about long before diagnosis.
As part of Lupus Awareness Month in Canada, we are continuing to share stories that help make lupus more visible while fostering greater understanding, advocacy, and support for people living with lupus.
Because people living with lupus deserve better.
A Life Shaped by Lupus, Defined by Resilience
“My name is Diana Bozzo. I have been living with lupus for more than 30 years, and today I dedicate much of my life to advocating for those affected by this complex and often misunderstood disease. Through public awareness and patient advocacy, my hope is that no one living with lupus ever feels invisible or alone.”
Diana’s lupus journey began at just 15 years old when she developed a rare and life threatening blood disorder known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Two years later, at age 17, she received the diagnosis that would change the course of her life: systemic lupus erythematosus.
Over the years lupus brought devastating physical complications, including blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, Raynaud’s disease, a transient ischemic attack, and repeated life threatening flares that left her physically weakened and emotionally exhausted.
“There were moments, too many to count, when I truly did not know if I would survive.”
But beyond the medical challenges, lupus also took pieces of the future Diana once imagined for herself.
One of the greatest heartbreaks came when she and her husband decided they were ready to start a family.
After extensive medical testing, Diana’s doctors explained that pregnancy would place her life at extreme risk.
“If I were to become critically ill while pregnant, my husband could be faced with an impossible decision, whether to save my life or the life of our baby.”
“In that moment the dream I had held so tightly slipped through my hands. Once again lupus had taken something deeply precious from me.”
Diana fell into a deep depression and struggled to imagine another path forward.
Then unexpectedly, hope appeared through surrogacy.
Although the IVF process triggered a severe lupus flare and reinforced the dangers pregnancy posed to her health, Diana and her husband continued forward with determination and faith.
From two embryos came two miracles: twin daughters Ashley and Melissa.
“They are my light, my purpose, and the greatest gift life has ever given me.”
Today, Diana continues using her voice to advocate for greater awareness, research, education, and support for people living with lupus across Canada.
“Lupus may shape our path, but it does not define who we are.
I have lupus. But lupus does not have me.”
Through advocacy and storytelling, Diana hopes more Canadians will better understand the realities of lupus and the impact it can have on individuals and families navigating chronic illness.
Read Diana's Full Lupus Story
Diana has previously shared a more in depth reflection on her lupus journey, including her early diagnosis, medical challenges, advocacy work, and experiences navigating life with lupus.
Support Canadians Living with Lupus
This Lupus Awareness Month, you can help make lupus visible.