Savana Soares- 2020 L.I.F.E. Scholarship Winner
The Lupus Inspiration Foundation for Excellence (L.I.F.E.) is excited to announce Savana Soares of Massachusetts as a top 2020 L.I.F.E. Scholarship Recipient. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding college students, like Savana who is overcoming the difficulties of lupus with unbelievable perseverance. Savana attends Bridgewater State University where she is excelling in her academics. Her passion for psychology and her experience with lupus and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) have given her the drive to become a psychiatrist for children with chronic diseases. She is an inspiring person, displayed by her courage to continue her education, her impressive long-term goals, and her perseverance.
Savana’s medical odyssey began at the age of four when she had her first seizure. At age eight, her hair began to lose pigment amongst other odd symptoms that even doctors could not explain. Her entire life she faced being unique from her peers, which was a constant struggle. Doctors doubted what she told them, adding to the immense struggles of her sickness. While Savana worked at a gift shop and a family-owned sandwich shop the summer before her diagnosis, she was in constant pain from head-to-toe. Between sleeping and hydrating as much as she could, she was confronted with exhaustion which forced her to put a pause on activities she enjoyed, such as volunteering at various non-profits and seeing her friends. At such a young age, she lost her independence to perform simple daily activities like getting out of bed, showering, and brushing her teeth. This brought about an enormous emotional toll in addition to the physical toll she was experiencing. Even after her diagnosis, the side-effects of treatment have had atrocious side-effects for her.
Despite the odds Savana has faced, she remains positive and recognizes that lupus has given her the incredible ability to “deal with things nobody should ever have to.” Her uniqueness has made her a very strong person who is going to accomplish anything she sets her mind to. We are proud to honor Savana Soares and cannot wait to see what she accomplishes!
Lastly, we would like to thank Jean Bassett for her ongoing support and generosity. This scholarship program that helps remarkable students across the country battling lupus every day is made possible by wonderful sponsors like herself. The gift of this scholarship will truly benefit students in more ways than one-- lessening financial burdens and inspiring college students to fulfill their academic dreams.
There are more scholarships to come for the 2020/21 academic year. Stay tuned...more winners will be announced on website and Instagram! If chosen please share this honor with friends and family.
Written by Jylian Grabell, L.I.F.E. 2020/21 Volunteer