Catching up with K.S. Oliver

K.S. Oliver is an author, poet, public speaker, model and business owner who was born in New York and raised in Georgia. At 30 years old, she is blazing a trail that many have been inspired by. The oldest of eleven children, K.S. graduated from Georgia Medical Institute with a diploma in Medical Billing and Coding in 2005 as well as  Colorado Technical College in 2011 with a degree in Business (while minoring in Criminal Justice). Since then, she’s been moving forward with building a unique and touching legacy.

On May 20, 2010, following the birth of her youngest child, K.S. was diagnosed with SLE, also known as Lupus. Subsequently, she was also diagnosed with Discoid Lupus (Skin Lupus), Fibromyalgia, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Hypotension, Hypothyroids, Cricoarytenoiditis (Lupus in her voice box), and severe depression.  With a myriad of health issues staring her in the face at the age of 25, K.S. had to make a decision on whether she would allow it to consume her or fight for the life she and her family deserved to enjoy. The choice soon turned into a mantra commonly used when discussing her life: “I have Lupus. Lupus doesn’t have me.”

Taking her life story and using it to inspire others, K.S. has penned two poetry books dedicated to building a connection from one Lupie to another and helping others to understand the emotions and trials that a Lupus patient may endure. Still Standing and Affectionately 360 are poetic gems that are touching for patients of any kind, but also speak to the hearts of every individual who reads them.  In 2013, K.S. was awarded as Poet of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the field of poetry.