Life as a Zebra Foundation

Life as a Zebra Foundation

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We work to raise funds for research and to bring visibility to invisible illnesses. (zebranation.org) Our Mission is EAS-Z!

Life as a Zebra Foundation brings visibility to invisible illnesses! Education, Advocacy, & Support for Zebras! www.ZebraNation.org

Our Accomplishments:
• Raised over $120,000 for invisible illness awareness & research!

• Spearheaded the adoption of Michigan’s resolution for “Invisible Illness Awareness Week,” 4 years running.

• Met with various federal congressmen and senators to advocate for a National Invisible Illness Awareness Day of Action!

• Host “Zebra Days” at local elementary schools to educate youth on the importance of patience & empathy. How Can YOU Help?

*Make a tax deductible donation to LAAZF

*Spread the word & raise invisible illness awareness in your community

*Sponsor or volunteer at a LAAZF event

*Advocate for invisible illness legislation in your community

October 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Kristen Langford | Life as a Zebra Foundation 10/01/2026

Good Morning and Happy October, Zebra Family!

This month’s zebra spotlight is on Kristen Langford-a mother, wife, college student, and volunteer for her local Friends of the Library non-profit.

Kristen lives with multiple sclerosis; relapsing-remitting type. She wants others to know, “I know that overall my condition could be worse, and I'm thankful it's not. Please remember: even if someone looks “normal” and “okay,” they may not be. We're all just here trying our best, so lead with love.”

Click the link to read more about Kristen’s journey thus far, and how she lives her life with an invisible illness.

October 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Kristen Langford | Life as a Zebra Foundation October 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Kristen Langford W A October 1, 2026Zebra Spotlight Hi, I’m Kristen Langford. I’m 40 and a mother to one amazing son. I’m currently going back to school to earn my bachelor’s degree and aim to become a professional genetic genealogist. I’ve always loved family...

August 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Corissa Pittman | Life as a Zebra Foundation 08/04/2026

Good Morning and Happy August…a few days late!

This month’s zebra spotlight is on Corissa Pittman-an 18 year old high school senior who loves to listen to music, read, advocate for social justice issues, and try new restaurants.

Corissa lives with a rare genetic disorder called Kabuki Syndrome.

Corissa wants others to know, “Be yourself. That’s the one thing people can’t take away from you!”

Click the link to read more about Corissa’s journey thus far, and how they live their life with invisible illnesses.

https://zebranation.org/zebra-spotlight/august-2026-zebra-spotlight-corissa-pittman/

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***Are you living your life as a zebra? We want to hear YOUR story! If you are interested in being featured in one of our monthly zebra spotlights, please email us at: [email protected]

August 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Corissa Pittman | Life as a Zebra Foundation August 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Corissa Pittman [email protected] July 21, 2026Zebra Spotlight Hi! My name is Corissa Pittman. I am 18 years old and a senior in high school. I love listening to music, reading, social justice, and trying new restaurants. I always had a hard time at school growing up an....

07/10/2026

Life as a Zebra a Foundation does a “Zebra Spotlight” each month about “Zebra” warriors who live each day with one or multiple invisible illnesses.

We are looking for individuals who are willing to share their story and raise awareness about life with invisible illness(es). If interested (or if you know someone who may be interested), please email: [email protected]
Thank You! ❤️🦓❤️
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Did You Know? Millions of people live with illnesses that are not immediately visible. Chronic pain syndromes, autoimmune diseases, migraines, inflammatory conditions, mental health conditions, and countless others can significantly affect someone’s daily life; even when you can’t see them.

July 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Whitney Olsen | Life as a Zebra Foundation 07/01/2026

Good Morning and Hello, July, Zebra Family!

This month’s zebra spotlight is on Whitney Olsen-a Mom, massage therapist, wife, and recent addition to the zebra community!

Whitney has lived with many different symptoms over the years, but it wasn’t until recently when she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hypermobility type). Since the diagnosis, so many of the symptoms she has experienced over the years now make sense.

Whitney wants others to know, “The diagnosis doesn’t define you. You are more than a label. Hypermobility can be a very difficult diagnosis, but you can work to see the beauty in it and the people it brings into your life.”

Click the link to read more about Whitney’s journey thus far, and how she lives her life with invisible illnesses.

https://zebranation.org/zebra-spotlight/july-2026-zebra-spotlight-whitney-olsen/

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***Are you living your life as a zebra? We want to hear YOUR story! If you are interested in being featured in one of our monthly zebra spotlights, please email us at: [email protected]

July 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Whitney Olsen | Life as a Zebra Foundation July 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Whitney Olsen [email protected] July 1, 2026Zebra Spotlight Hello! My name is Whitney! I’m a recent addition to the zebra community. I was not able to put together the symptoms I experienced until a couple of years ago. I was receiving OMM treatments and my provider not....

June 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Cameron Morell | Life as a Zebra Foundation 06/01/2026

Good Morning! June’s zebra spotlight is on Cameron Morell, a 16 year old student, athlete, and overall wonderful person who loves music, fashion, sports, and her people.

Cameron has lived with a chronic stomach illness since she was 8 years old. So far, she has been diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, but is still undergoing testing to search for additional answers.

Cameron wants other people to know, “It is okay to not be okay. It is okay to not be your best, it is okay to advocate for your needs, and it is okay to prioritize yourself. You and your own health and body come before anything else and it is important to remember you are fighting a battle every single day.”

Click the link to read more about Cameron’s journey thus far, and how she lives her life with invisible illnesses.

https://zebranation.org/zebra-spotlight/june-2026-zebra-spotlight-cameron-morell/
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***Are you living your life as a zebra? We want to hear YOUR story! If you are interested in being featured in one of our monthly zebra spotlights, please email us at: [email protected]

June 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Cameron Morell | Life as a Zebra Foundation June 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Cameron Morell W A June 1, 2026Zebra Spotlight Hi, my name is Cameron Morell, I am 16 years old and going into my junior year of high school. I play soccer and I love music, fashion, sports, and my people. I have had a chronic stomach illness since I was 8 years old. My li...

May 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Hillary Lee | Life as a Zebra Foundation 05/02/2026

Happy, Happy May, Zebra Family!

This month’s spotlight is on Hillary Lee. Hillary is a wife, a mom of two, and a business owner who lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).

Hillary explains, “A little compassion can go a long way. Sometimes asking for help can make us feel like a burden, but the truth is, we are never a burden to the people who truly love us. Just because I may look perfectly fine most days doesn’t mean I’m not struggling.”

Click the link to read more about Hillary’s journey thus far, and how she lives her life with multiple invisible illnesses.

https://zebranation.org/zebra-spotlight/may-2026-zebra-spotlight-hillary-lee-may/

***Are you living your life as a zebra? We want to hear YOUR story! If you are interested in being featured in one of our monthly zebra spotlights, please email us at: [email protected]

May 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Hillary Lee | Life as a Zebra Foundation May 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Hillary Lee W A May 1, 2026Zebra Spotlight My name is Hillary Lee. I’m a wife, a mom of two, and a business owner. I was first diagnosed at the age of 13, and over the years my journey has expanded to include Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and POTS (...

April 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Lisa Gigliotti | Life as a Zebra Foundation 04/03/2026

Good April Afternoon, Zebra Family!

This month’s spotlight is on Lisa Gigliotti. Lisa has achieved successful careers as an administrative law judge, a policy advisor for the Michigan state senate and governor, an advocate for people with disabilities and for improving end-of-life care, and is
dedicated to helping others lead more fulfilling lives. Lisa is also an author and speaker and has written four books. Lisa lives each day with myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis…and Coraggio (courage)!

Lisa states: “I re-prioritize what is truly important in my life each day. Every day I start a new tally of the energy conservation I need to accomplish for what I prioritized. I time my rest and medication to be optimal at the most needed time of each day. I had to change the past desire to be everything to everyone, to not disappoint anyone, and to be close to perfect. I believe in me, pay attention to me, trust in me.”

Click the link to read more about Lisa’s journey thus far, and how she lives her life with myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis.

https://zebranation.org/blogs/april-2026-zebra-spotlight-lisa-gigliotti/

***Are you living your life as a zebra? We want to hear YOUR story! If you are interested in being featured in one of our monthly zebra spotlights, please email us at: [email protected]

April 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Lisa Gigliotti | Life as a Zebra Foundation April 2026 Zebra Spotlight: Lisa Gigliotti W A April 1, 2026Blogs Ciao from Lisa Gigliotti! I received my initiation into the zebra herd via the neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis. In undergrad I had been diagnosed with a serious case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) made obvious by red swollen joi...

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