Richard Chrz CoFounder/Executive Director of the Local Lupus Alliance
Favorite Quote
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” -Dalai Lama
“Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.” -Jim Collins
“You are your own Author, write the book that you want written.” -Unknown
“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” -Christopher McCandless
Education and Occupation
Graduate of South Central Technical College, Minnesota
Public Speaker on Compassion and Compassion in Healthcare
Patient Advocate for the College of Rheumatology, Washington DC, Capital Hill 2012 and 2014
Business Development and Community Relations Manager for Barnes and Noble
Executive Director for Local Lupus Alliance
What brought you to the LLA and what intrigued you about serving?
I was diagnosed with (SLE) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in July of 2010 with an additional diagnosis of (NPSLE) Neuropsyciatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Feb 2011. My life has changed immensely because of Lupus. Prior to my diagnosis I ran 50 and 100 mile trail races, now most days I’m in extreme pain to just stand, walk, sit or even lie down-there is no place of comfort. On a positive side, I have also learned some great life lessons from Lupus. I have more awareness and thankfulness for the present moment and life’s little treasures. I have had to give up many of my life’s dreams, and still struggle to redefine myself. My hopes are to make a difference in patients lives in ways so that they do not have to go through the same struggles I have. My mother has Lupus as well. Even though she was diagnosed and living with Lupus long before my illness surfaced, I had no real concept of what her days were like until I faced this disease myself.
Hobbies and interests
I truly enjoy music, it is one of the only things that can still transform my attitude within just a few notes. I love watching local grass root bands with my wife, at small venues. Even though I can not run right now (I am still determined that someday I will), I still enjoy following my friends on their adventures around the globe running on great trails and beautiful mountain backdrops.