Angela Faye Riles, the youngest child of Johnie and Leon Riles, was born on April 19, 1969. Known for being full of life – a true “people person” during Angela’s junior year at Detroit Osborne High School, she became very ill. Usually very active and vibrant, Angela became extremely fatigues and began complaining of general malaise and back pain. Originally it was believed that she was experiencing common menstrual discomfort, like many young women of the same age. However, on a family trip to the “south”, after spending much time in the sun, she became extremely sick.

Unbeknownst to the family, Angela was experiencing classic lupus flare complete with distinct Mylar rash. Upon returning home, the family immediately consulted with her physician. Blood tests revealed that significant amounts of protein were spilling into Angela’s urine. Unsure of what was causing the problem, her doctor referred Angela to an oncologist and eventually a kidney specialist. It didn’t take long for the doctors to discover that Angela was suffering from Systemic Lupus (SLE). Unfortunately, the disease was very aggressive and had already caused significant damage to Angela’s kidneys.

In spite of her illness and routine hospitalization, everyone who knew Angela will tell you that she never complained. Instead, she became even more determined to live life to the fullest. She focused all of her efforts on earning her high school diploma and participating with her classmates in the 1980 graduating class activities. To achieve her goal, it required that Angela attended evening classes for one full semester in order to make up for the time missed due to frequent bouts of illness and hospital confinement. Angela did in fact graduate with the class of 1980. She battled her disease until later that year when she passed away due to lupus related complications. At the time of her death, Angela had been accepted as a student at Wayne State University. It was her plan to study design. She was also preparing to begin a job as an employee of the State of Michigan. Angela like many other victims of Lupus, died to soon.

In the midst of their grieving process, the Riles family valiantly opted to turn their tragedy into triumph. They channeled their energies and efforts into helping others similarly situated and founded the Angela Faye Riles Memorial Circle. It is the goal of the AFRMC to assist the Michigan Lupus Foundation in it’s effort to wage war against this disease, preventing unnecessary death, pain and suffering, through increased education and financial support. The theme, “If I can Help Somebody…” most accurately reflects the continued efforts of the AFRMC.

Johnie M. Riles was the first elected president and she continues to hold that office today. The Circle has approximately eighteen (18) active members. In spite of its small size and lack of advertising, many fundraisers have been held throughout the years. As a result of many generous tax-deductible donations, the Circle has presented over $60,000.00 to the Michigan Lupus Foundation. The Circle also donated over $10,000.00 to individual lupus patients through various means including Christmas/Holiday gifts and “emergency assistance.” Every year, on the first Sunday of November, the Circle hosts its Annual Dinner. This year the Circle celebrated its 21st year. Through the Circle and its efforts, Angela’s memory lives on!