ADVOCATE & EMPOWER
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Butterfly Warriors works continuously on raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and inspiring strength in every warrior who refuses to be silenced by this disease.
​We educate, uplift, and remind every fighter that we are powerful, resilient, and unstoppable.
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By sharing knowledge, we aim to build a community where every warrior feels seen, heard and valued.
Our Mission
Create an Impact & Empower Change Together Dedicated to creating a meaningful impact, Butterfly Warriors works to raise awareness, advocate for, support, and empower individuals and families battling lupus. Ultimately improving quality of life for those affected.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Our primary mission is to educate and advocate for lupus awareness, offering support and knowledge to empower individuals impacted by this condition.
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Learning & Sharing
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Informative events and workshops to foster knowledge sharing, awareness, and community building among individuals affected by lupus.
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Spreading Knowledge
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Awareness campaigns strive to spread accurate and up-to-date information about lupus to combat myths and increase understanding.
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Building a Strong Community
We focus on building a strong network of support for individuals affected by lupus, ensuring they have the resources and information needed to navigate their journey.
Community Connections
Support groups provide a safe space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and find solidarity within the lupus community.
Advancing Lupus Discoveries
Through research initiatives, aimed at advancing the understanding of lupus, promoting new treatments, and ultimately improving the quality of life for those living with lupus.
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Partnering for Progress
Collaborating with other organizations to amplify our impact and create a united front against lupus challenges.
​Lupus is a part of my story, but will never be the ending.
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​Nyobie Gordon-Ricks
Founder - Butterfly Warriors LLC
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Butterfly Warriors was founded out of a deep understanding of the challenges of living with lupus.
Nyobie is a passionate advocate for the lupus community in Arizona. As a lupus warrior herself, she knows the impact this "mysterious illness" causes. She dedicates her time to raising awareness, advocating for policies that improve access to care, and providing support to those affected by lupus. Nyobie serves as a Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) Ambassador and advocate, an active member of the Lupus Research Alliance Network (LRAN), and a key contributor to the Arizona Walk Committee.
Nyobie's journey to a lupus diagnosis was a difficult one, spanning 19 years and involving numerous doctors. This experience fuels her passion for patient advocacy and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and empowering individuals to advocate for themselves.
Nyobie believes that access to accurate information and resources is vital for managing lupus effectively.
She emphasizes the power of self-advocacy, believing it instills the confidence needed to ensure the best possible care.
Through her work with the LFA, LRAN, and the Arizona Walk Committee, Nyobie educates communities, shares her personal story, and advocates for policies that improve healthcare access and funding for lupus research. Her dedication and resilience make her a beacon of hope and strength for those navigating their own lupus journeys.
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My Lupus Story​​
At age 12, my symptoms begin. Irregular periods, followed by a pain that became a constant ache, especially in my back and legs. Soon, my hands and feet swelled, and the most frightening symptom began: partial paralysis. I would suddenly lose feeling from the waist down, lying in bed for hours, unable to move. I felt utterly helpless and alone because no one was listening to me.
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Even at 14 years old, I knew something was wrong, but doctors dismissed my concerns, saying it was puberty, even after a second paralysis episode. The doctors suggested that I was making it up, watching as they poked my numb foot until it bled. The constant invalidation was heartbreaking. I learned to manage flare-ups in silence, relying on rest and pain relief medication.
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Then at 23, a painful rash appeared. My doctor, diagnosed it as ringworm, I even consulted a dermatologist who said the same. I knew it wasn't ringworm, but once again, no one listened. After the birth of my first child in 2002, those painful symptoms miraculously disappeared for seven years. I was unsure why, but happy.
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However, in 2009, my symptoms returned with a vengeance, along with some new ones: debilitating joint and muscle pain, as well as weight and hair loss. I saw more doctors who couldn't identify the problem, and another dermatologist who again misdiagnosed it as ringworm. My anger grew with each dismissed appointment. I felt disregarded, invisible, and frustrated by the inability to advocate for myself.
Finally, in 2010 at age 32, a rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis: I had advanced lupus which included Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis and lupus cerebritis. It took 12 doctors and 19 years to get the answers I desperately needed. While going through chemotherapy treatment I came up with the idea for Butterfly Warriors. ​​
I believe ​advocacy, education, research, and support are critical in managing lupus. Early diagnosis is key to managing the disease, preventing organ damage, and improving quality of life. The experience was challenging, and I hope no one else has to endure what I went through.
ADVOCATE - EDUCATE - RESEARCH - SUPPORT