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Carrying What Didn’t Break Her: Shelley Nipper’s Vasculitis Story

Shelley Nipper pictured outside wearing a white long sleeve sweater and a long tulle grey skirt.

Carrying What Didn’t Break Her: Shelley Nipper’s Vasculitis Story At 30 years old, Shelley lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee — not as someone defined by illness, but as someone shaped by fortitude. She described herself simply: “I’m resilient, deeply empathetic, faith-driven, and stronger than I ever planned to be.” That strength was forged early on. Six […]

Tonya Campbell’s Journey With GPA: From Diagnosis to Daily Life

A family of four poses in front of a decorated fireplace with their small dog, surrounded by Christmas stockings and holiday decorations.

Tonya Campbell’s Journey With GPA: From Diagnosis to Daily Life Fifty-seven-year-old Tonya is a devoted teacher from Vicksburg, Mississippi, who has always centered her life around family, faith, and service. She and her husband, Carl, raised twins, Sarah and Matthew, after facing early infertility. For decades, she poured her heart into her public-school classroom and […]

A Journey of Resilience: Jim’s Path to Better Health

Two smiling adults sit close together at a restaurant table, posing for a photo in front of a glass block window and rustic wood-paneled wall.

A Journey of Resilience: Jim Truskey’s Path to Better Health Known for his high energy, positive attitude and hometown pride for Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!), Jim is no stranger to health battles. He turned 69 last December and is sharing his experience with a rare and serious disease—microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). His journey began subtly in […]

Living With GPA: Tina Nardella’s Journey of Resilience, Adaptability and Hope

A bride and groom smile together in a close-up wedding portrait, with the bride wearing a veil and the groom dressed in a tuxedo.

Living With GPA: Tina Nardella’s Journey of Resilience, Adaptability and Hope Tina was just 24 years old when her life changed forever. Today, she is 52 and lives in Moscow, Pennsylvania, where she has worked in the legal field for more than 32 years. Married, a former competitive baton twirler and instructor, and now a […]

“Onwards and Upwards” — Samantha Feeney’s Journey to a Vasculitis Diagnosis

A smiling woman bundled in winter clothing sits on a mobility scooter holding a small dog during a walk through a park with autumn trees and fallen leaves.

“Onwards and Upwards” — Samantha Feeney’s Journey to a Vasculitis Diagnosis Samantha lives in Northamptonshire, England, with her husband Adam, whom she has been married to for 30 years. At 57, she describes herself as “outgoing, positive, artistic, and creative.” She is a mother to her daughter Alessandra (34) and a proud grandmother to four […]

Faith Over Fear: Jessica Lopez Ricard’s Journey Living with Vasculitis

A smiling woman wearing reflective pink sunglasses sits on a colorful picnic blanket in a sunny park, with a river, trees, and open grassy area in the background.

Faith Over Fear: Jessica Lopez Ricard’s Journey Living with Vasculitis Jessica lives in San Antonio, Texas, and is originally from San Diego, California. At 42, she is a wife, a mother, and the heart of a beautifully blended family with four children ranging from age 3 to 21. Even before her diagnosis, she found joy […]

YOUR GIFT GOES TWICE AS FAR TODAY!

Double Match Day is here—help us celebrate 40 years by raising $40,000.

People living with vasculitis rely on support, research, and connection every day.

Today only, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, helping us reach more patients, fund critical research, and ensure no one faces vasculitis alone.