We had the good fortune of connecting with Aujia Wood-Russell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aujia, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
“Mommy Has Lupus” is a book that was created to help children understand what it means when a mother is diagnosed with Lupus. In my goal to help children understand Lupus, I also provided better understanding for spouses, friends, and families of Lupus patients. Additionally, people that have no connection with Lupus or have not heard of Lupus, can get a clear understanding of what Lupus is through reading “Mommy Has Lupus”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been writing poems and short stories as long as I can remember, but never felt compelled to have my work published until I completed “Mommy Has Lupus”. It took me four years to get “Mommy Has Lupus” published due to health issues and searching for the right illustrator and publishing package. “Mommy Has Lupus” is a way to open the eyes of understanding into what it means for a person to have Lupus. As a Lupus patient for over 20 years, I want people to know Lupus is not a new disease, we just found our voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a person with Lupus, my immune system is compromised and I have always been conscious of being around people and social distancing before COVID-19 changed the world. I enjoy good food and often get take-out from Slick Pig in Murfreesboro, TN, just down the street from my alma mater Middle Tennessee State University. A plate of smoked chicken wings, barbecue baked beans, and southern sweet tea are great to enjoy outside, picnic style or in your car, in the mild temperatures of middle Tennessee. After indulging in such great food, a stroll along one of the many Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation walking trails would be delightful. On some evenings you can even catch an outdoor moving playing in the park for free. An ice cream, milkshake, or other dessert after the movie would culminate the evening. We would enjoy a great worship experience at First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro on Castle Street on Sunday, followed by a soul food dinner at my home, and a nap or movie at home. Life is very complicated with Lupus and we have to be careful of over exerting ourselves, because it can cause a rise in Lupus activity which causes pain.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“Mommy Has Lupus” would not be possible without God giving me the vision and provision to write this children’s book. In addition, I have to thank my children, husband, parents, family, and friends for their support and encouragement. A huge thank you goes to every person that has purchased a copy of “Mommy Has Lupus”.

Website: http://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=mommy-has-lupus

Instagram: @aujiawoodrussell

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aujiawoodrussell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mommy-Has-Lupus-Book-Page-297474590851817/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/D7f30ILL6eQ

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