Author stricken with lupus finds purpose in helping others

Published: 2005-10-24

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Finding peace in a storm of chronic illness is a priority for Maureen Pratt, who leans on her Catholic faith to get through the challenges of each day. There are many challenges for the 46-year-old parishioner of St. Martin of Tours in Brentwood, who was diagnosed with lupus more than a decade ago and who also suffers from hypothyroidism. But in her illness she has found a purpose -- to help others as a patient advocate, a public speaker and an author who writes books on how to thrive while living with chronic illness. Her newest book, "Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness," published by Doubleday Religion/Random House, combines scriptural reflections and personal insights on ways to cope with chronic illness. Her situation has also brought her closer to God, Pratt said. "God does allow illness and difficulties in our lives. Not everyone is cured. But we can choose to seek a good relationship with God," she said.

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