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.

And they are many for this 46-year-old St. Martin of Tours (Brentwood) parishioner who was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease lupus over a decade ago, and suffers from hypothyroidism as well. In fact Pratt, who had pneumonia 13 times before she was 18 years old, believes she could have had undiagnosed lupus as a child.

Yet despite of bouts of poor health as a young adult, she graduated from Georgetown University, obtained a master of fine arts degree from UCLA's prestigious School of Theater, Film and Television, and worked as a recruiting manager for a consulting arm of a multi-national accounting firm.

Her love of singing --- she performed with a French language Catholic choir in Washington during her Georgetown days --- led her to apply for a position as choir director at St. Eugene Church in Los Angeles following her graduation from UCLA. Working over 70 hours a week at her day job and conducting the choir on weekends, she was on a career fast-track when, in her late 30s, her hair suddenly started falling out.

Doctors attributed it to stress, but Pratt felt her hair loss and other symptoms, including hand pain and swelling, fatigue, heart palpitations, swallowing difficulties and memory problems, warranted some blood work. Tests showed a low platelet count and elevated ANA (antinuclear antibodies), which appears in 98 percent of lupus patients. A rheumatologist subsequently confirmed that Pratt had a severe form of systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

"I didn't know what lupus was," said Pratt, who figured she'd be fine with a prescription. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, which causes the body's immune system to turn on itself and attack vital organs. An estimated 2.5 million lupus patients live in the U.S., most of whom are women in childbearing years.

Pratt had to quit her jobs, go on disability, and reduce her social activities to conserve her strength. Since exposure to sunlight can trigger lupus flare-ups, Pratt had to completely change her lifestyle in sunny California. She does her beloved gardening during early morning or evening hours and makes sure to cover up with protective clothing when venturing out in the day. To manage her symptoms, she takes 14 medications a day and weekly chemotherapy pills.

"Living with lupus is like living with a terrorist," said Pratt. The disease's unpredictability means Pratt never knows what she'll have to deal with upon waking. It could be a migraine headache, shingles or pain so intense she has to spend the day in bed.

Spiritual support

The Decatur, Illinois native, who grew up in a close-knit Catholic family, said the spiritual support she has received from family and friends has helped her through the emotional turmoil of being chronically ill. "I've gotten angry and I've cried, but I never blamed God and never thought God abandoned me," said Pratt. After her lupus diagnosis, she delved into Catholic spirituality, praying for guidance to know God's will.

"My life with chronic illness has revealed a wonderful purpose," declared Pratt. The former choir conductor has become a patient advocate and public speaker, addressing groups and writing books on how to "thrive" while living with chronic illness. She spoke last April at the National Lupus Public Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., and in May was the keynote speaker at the first annual symposium on chronic illness and post-secondary education held at DePaul University in Chicago.

Her books --- "Taking Charge of Lupus: How to Manage the Disease and Make the Most of Your Life," co-authored by David Hallegua, M.D., and "Hypothyroidism (The First Year): An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed" --- are endorsed, respectively, by the American Lupus Foundation and the American Thyroid Foundation. 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.

"In writing 'Peace in the Storm,' I discovered a form of writing I adore that offers practical applications of spiritual and scriptural concepts and stories," said Pratt. The book was well-received at the July American Association of Christian Counselors meeting where Pratt was video-taped speaking on the power of faith, healing and prayer.

Solidarity

Pratt feels the Catholic belief in the communion of saints can be a source of comfort to those living with chronic illness. "It's the knowledge that the individual is in solidarity with the communion of saints that drives us out of our cocoon," said Pratt.

As a child, Pratt enjoyed inspirational stories of lives of the saints, many of whom were challenged with illness. She noted the late Catholic writer, Flannery O'Conner, "had a remarkable life" in spite of suffering from lupus which eventually caused her death at age 39. According to Pratt, miraculous healings of lupus have been attributed to Blessed Junípero Serra, who founded nine California missions while suffering from a number of illnesses, including chronic asthma.

"God does allow illness and difficulties in our lives. Not everyone is cured. But we can choose to seek a good relationship with God," said Pratt. Spiritual health, she said, improves when patients develop the capability to be alone and quiet in prayer. "The act of being still helps you to confront your illness and start listening to God. In stillness, peace starts to grow."

In October (lupus awareness month), Pratt will speak at two events focusing on chronic pain and illness. On Oct. 18, at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., she will appear at the Center for Health and Healing in Redondo Beach, (310) 374-3426, for a booksigning and lecture on lupus, spirituality and living with chronic pain. On Oct. 20, at St. Martin of Tours Church, 11967 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 476-7403, she will present a 7 p.m. booksigning/talk on Catholic spirituality for chronic pain and illness sufferers.

Pratt's website, www.maureenpratt.com, lists upcoming appearances. Her books are available through amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, and at most local booksellers, including Village Books in Pacific Palisades and Dutton's Books in Brentwood and Beverly Hills. For additional information on lupus and patient support groups, log on to The Lupus Foundation of America's website: www.lupus.org.