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Christina Hayes has always had to fight to keep a job and take care of her family.
Diagnosed with lupus 14 years ago at the age of 19, the Michigan mom often needs time off to go to doctor’s appointments. But her job with an airline doesn’t give her paid time off. Add to that taking care of her 7-year-old daughter, and staying home with her when she gets sick — which, in turn, puts Hayes at risk because lupus affects her immune system — and you have a struggle that taxed Hayes financially and physically long before the pandemic even started.