Diamonds are renowned as the hardest material on earth, a symbol of resilience and timeless beauty. They cannot be shattered or destroyed, and their brilliance only grows. Diamonds are formed under intense heat and pressure, these women have faced challenges, overcome adversity, and emerged stronger, more brilliant, and unbreakable. Our series, “You can’t break a diamond”,  is our way of celebrating the resilience, strength, and brilliance of extraordinary women. This series shines a light on incredible women in our Refemme community whose stories inspire and empower.

Meet Erin.

"I was the sporty girl in school and from the outside everyone thought I had it all together. In honours I started feeling symptoms. After exams everything just hit all at once. For 3 months GP's were all telling me it was anxiety and I began to feel frustrated and unheard. My ankle had developed pink spots all over and I had a terrible bruise on the side of my foot. 

We went to Sun City and I put my feet in the pool, my one foot turned black instantly. I now realise that this was cut off circulation. Done. We went to the doctor and I was diagnosed with Lupus. I remember feeling relieved after receiving a diagnosis.

We did operations to try save the leg but the conclusion was I could keep a dead foot or do the amputation.

The plan going forward is the New York Marathon in 2024 to challenge myself athletically. I don't want to be a victim, I know I have been through a lot but if I'm good enough, the Paralympics would be the best thing ever. I look at my scars and they tell my story and my journey. Someone told me, you set the tone and this is what I live by." - @erin_lazarus

If you or someone you know would like to be featured in our “You can’t break a diamond” blog series, please email us Email: Jessica@refemme.com your incredible story and photo with the email tagline: Unbreakable 

"Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them."