The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHENEVER you see bubbly Jonique Webb, one would never know that she's suffering from the decease lupus because she's the type of athlete that doesn't allow anything to upset her.

Webb, a 2006 graduate of Jordan Prince Williams High School where she participated in basketball, softball, volleyball and track and field emerging as the best all-around female student, was diagnosed with the trace of lupus in her system in 2012.

A year later, after further consultation, it was confirmed that she had lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. This can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the skin, joints, brain, lungs, heart, blood cells and kidneys.

On Saturday, August 11, starting at 6:30am, a committee formed to assist her with her medical expenses, will hold a fun run/walk, dubbed: 'Fighting Lupus, Finding Hope' - Jonique's Beast Mode.

The route will leave Goodman's Bay west and head onto Baha Mar Boulevard, pass Scotiabank, around the curve by Baha Mar and heading straight around to the dead end, turn around by the former Wyndham, pass Melia, cross the street over to pass Scotiabank once again and onto Baha Mar Boulevard and back to Goodman's Bay west.

"I think it's a good initiative. At first, I was hesitant about the initiative because it's something that a lot of people didn't know that I had, so it was something that I tried to keep to myself," she stated.

"But after I spoke to certain persons about it, I think it's a good initiative what they are doing and to help get the word out there and kind of educate people about the decease itself."

Webb, who turned 29 on May 10, thanks her support team for assisting her because as she puts it: "What is important when you find out that you have these types of deceases, the important thing is your support system.

"So I would say that I've had a good support system, my family, my friends, my church and the persons who knew about it have always supported me. In times when I wanted to fall down, they have always encouraged me to keep going. So having a good support system is very important."

She added that taking the medication prescribed by the doctors is just as vital, although she admits that she has not been fully compliant, but she's working on it.

"It's just trying to keep a positive attitude and not allowing the worst or it to get to you," she pointed out. "I just keep going."

Although she was diagnosed with the illness, Webb has not allowed that to hinder her commitment to the various organisations that she has been a part of. The Securities Commission's employee worked feverishly as a member of the Golden Gates Native Baptist Church with the Baptist Sports Council and the Youth Department of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.

Her number one supporter, her grandmother Joanne 'Mother' Webb, said it's a difficult time for the family, but they are rallying around her granddaughter with "prayers and love.

"She's my pet. She's always been my pet. She's always been the different one, but I don't like to see her when she's sick. When the pain comes, it gets rough for her."

For those who know her, and even those who don't, a plea is being made to assist her in her time of need as the fun run/walk will help to defray the cost of Webb's medical expenses.

The committee has stressed that all proceeds raised (after expenses) will be used for Webb's medical fund and will go directly into a private banking account for proper record keeping.

With her kidneys now affected, Webb has to have a transplant and her dad John has already been identified as the donor. The operation is expected to be performed at the Cleveland Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It's estimated that her expenses could soar to about $4,000 per month, including medication, for about six months after she goes through her rehabilitation process.

Interested persons can call 525-2673 or write to hopejonique@gmail.com for more details. They can also obtain more information on the Facebook account Jonique's Stride For Hope.

Early registration for the fun run/walk will be held up until July 30, which will guarantee a t-shirt. The cost is $25 per person. Persons can also register at Suntime in the Mall at Marathon.

A souse-out will also take place during the event.