Dear Friends,
The Pandemic (COVID-19) has made 2020 a difficult year for many Americans. The loss and uncertainty for what the future holds is not new to our non-profit or those burdened by the “cruel mystery” of lupus. All applicants for the 2020 L.I.F.E. Scholarship made the decision to move forward with their education during such a challenging time, which demonstrates what L.I.F.E. has witnessed in them all along—a deep desire to persevere. We can learn and be inspired by their courage.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, where the bodies own natural defense system turns on itself causing widespread inflammation and damage to a person’s tissues. Lupus may present itself as anything from a chronic fever, joint pain, profound fatigue, or skin rashes to recurring meningitis and kidney failure. Lupus can affect vessels and is the leading cause of stroke in young women. Any organ is at risk even the most vital—the heart, lungs, and brain.
The Lupus Inspiration Foundation for Excellence (L.I.F.E.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, strives to promote lupus awareness, and provide merit-based scholarships to courageous college students overcoming insurmountable adversity—from lupus, the demands of college and every day life, and now COVID-19. L.I.F.E. is volunteer-based and L.I.F.E. Scholarships are awarded to both full-time and part-time students working toward a degree, which sets L.I.F.E. apart from other charities.
Every year there are 16,000 newly reported cases and approximately 1.5 million Americans are LIVING with lupus. Despite the statistics, lupus remains the least-recognized and least-funded major disease to affect Americans. Although lupus is viewed as a women's disease--and more likely affects those of color—it can develop in anyone—including YOU!
Since our first two awardees in 2002, L.I.F.E. has awarded scholarships to over 175 students in over 45 states. The Foundation’s goal is to represent all states, which will in turn promote much-needed lupus awareness across the U.S. It will also provide a bright future for more outstanding and worthy lupus students battling the affects of lupus.
Your participation makes a powerful statement. It shows that the support for those with lupus is meaningful to you and your family, which in turn makes lupus meaningful to others. Your support echoes the words “LUPUS MATTERS”. Over half of our winners go into fields of health care as a way to give back, despite the added risk lupus and its treatments present, especially during the dangers of COVID-19. They represent a group of forgotten heroes.
Be the one who affects change. With a little help from YOU, a student with lupus can attend college, graduate, gain independence and become a source of inspiration to anyone facing adversity. Your financial gift is completely tax-deductible. Please donate today and continue to allow us to give lupus students the gift of knowledge. To donate online please visit our website at www.lifescholarship.org.
Each and every gift matters,
Jodi L. Norton, President of L.I.F.E.