Jenna Lea’s Journey: Overcoming MPA with Strength and Determination
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
At just 21 years old, Jenna Lea of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has already faced and conquered more challenges than many encounter in a lifetime. A self-described positive, selfless, and determined individual, she has never allowed adversity to deter her from achieving her goals. Now engaged to her fiancé, James, and preparing for their wedding in May 2026, Jenna reflects on her journey with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), which changed her life when she was 16.
Jenna’s symptoms began in late 2019, with rapid weight loss, persistent headaches, low-grade fevers, fatigue, and a rash on her neck. After numerous visits to her primary care physician, she was admitted to Atrium Baptist Hospital for five days for the initial diagnosis, where specialists ran extensive tests. It was there that she met pediatric rheumatologist Giya Harry, MD, who ultimately diagnosed her with MPA on February 20, 2020. “I had 23 vials of blood taken to complete what I believe was a full autoimmune panel,” she recalled—a detail that stands out in what is otherwise a somewhat blurry period of numerous tests and appointments.
Treatment Challenges and Recovery
Following her diagnosis, Jenna was immediately placed on an intensive treatment regimen, including high-dose oral and IV steroids. She also started taking Imuran and lisinopril. However, in July 2020, due to unrelated medical issues, she was switched from Imuran to methotrexate and also began taking duloxetine.
The side effects of these treatments were grueling. Jenna struggled with severe fatigue, medication-induced Cushing syndrome, and blood sugar issues likely caused by prolonged steroid use. Methotrexate left her feeling sick and unable to participate in activities she once loved.
Despite the challenges, Jenna remained resilient, bolstered by an amazing support system of family and friends. While in the hospital, loved ones frequently visited, bringing her comfort items like Starbucks and food. This made the experience feel less isolating. Outside of the hospital, she consistently received check-in messages. Her fiancé, James, has been particularly supportive, attending every appointment and educating himself thoroughly about MPA. He also actively helps her manage her tendency to overwork, encouraging her to rest.
Rebuilding Strength and Embracing Life
Having grown up in a medically aware family—Jenna’s grandmother was also diagnosed with vasculitis and her grandfather shared medical knowledge with her—Jenna understood the gravity of her condition but refused to let it define her.
For two years, heavy medication limited Jenna’s ability to live as actively as she once had. She attempted college in August 2021 but had to return home and complete her degree online due to her health. As her treatment ended, she slowly rebuilt her strength and reclaimed her life. Soon after her diagnosis, Jenna noticed that red meat and heavy foods like bread made her feel unwell. This led her to research and adopt anti-inflammatory diets, which significantly improved her energy levels and overall well-being. She also prioritizes a weekly “horizontal day” for complete rest. Counterintuitively, as she approached remission, she began working out, starting with walks and eventually incorporating weightlifting, which helped manage frustration and improve her physical and mental state.
Now, five years post-diagnosis, Jenna enjoys working out, traveling, supporting her fiancé’s collegiate baseball team, and spending time with loved ones. Jenna’s determination extends beyond her health journey. She graduated from NC State University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a second degree in human services. Soon, she will begin her master’s in clinical counseling, aiming to help others as she was once helped. Her journey has also fueled a passion for advocacy, providing an outlet to share her experiences and connect with others, even though she hasn’t met anyone else with MPA in person.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
A mantra Jenna holds close comes from her grandmother: “Happy, happy, happy,” and “This too shall pass.” Seeing her grandmother face even greater challenges with positivity inspired Jenna to persevere. She acknowledges that while bad days are inevitable, they are temporary, and with courage and determination, better days always come.
A particularly significant milestone in Jenna’s recovery was when she began tapering off medication and felt her “normal” self returning after a year and a half of significant physical changes. This renewed her confidence and reinforced her determination not to let the diagnosis define her, especially as she was on the cusp of graduating high school and starting college – a goal she was determined to achieve, even if it required adjustments.
Jenna’s message to newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers offers crucial insights: “That there is no right way. Every person’s story is going to be different. Everyone’s capacity for what they can and can’t do is going to be different. It’s important not to compare yourself to others, even with the same diagnosis, as symptoms and experiences vary greatly. Listen to your body, your limits, and your interests because you are the only one who knows those things. It is normal to feel a little jealous when you hear that someone can do things you can’t do; however, it is so important not to compare yourself to other people. Each one of us is strong, resilient, and worthy.”
Looking Forward: Advocacy and Inspiration
Looking back at the past five years, Jenna is proud of how far she has come. She has navigated college, started a career, and is now building a future with her soon-to-be husband. Her perspective on life has fundamentally shifted; she now embraces each day fully, overcoming her past tendency to procrastinate on meaningful experiences. Having navigated some very challenging moments, she now prioritizes living in the present and creating lasting memories. Her story is one of strength, perseverance, and an inspiration for anyone facing life-altering challenges.
Since collaborating with the Vasculitis Foundation in 2023, Jenna has made it her goal to actively engage in patient support and health advocacy. She is eager to offer a listening ear, provide advice, and participate in initiatives that support others affected by vasculitis, viewing her diagnosis as a catalyst to help those in need.