May 2026

Lupus Canada Scholarship Spotlight: Supporting Students Living With Lupus Across Canada

Since 2013, Lupus Canada has awarded scholarships to students diagnosed with lupus who are entering or currently enrolled in post secondary education in Canada.

The scholarship was established to recognize resilience, academic excellence, ambition, and advocacy, while helping to reduce the financial barriers faced by students living with lupus in Canada.

Initially awarding $1,000 to four recipients, the scholarship has grown significantly over the years and now supports 10 recipients at $2,500 each, made possible by the William Birchall Foundation.

To date, the Scholarship has provided $205,000 in funding to 93 students living with lupus across Canada.

The Impact of the Lupus Canada Scholarship

Established in 2013
93 students supported to date
$205,000 in scholarship funding awarded
10 scholarships of $2,500 awarded in 2025
Supported through the William Birchall Foundation
The only nationwide lupus specific scholarship program in Canada

Making an Actual Difference

In 2025, Lupus Canada awarded the following recipients: Alex Krnel, Léanne Langlois, Victoria Fraser, Zerrin Hospedales-Alexander, Ange Kalamenchuk, Jahmeila Moore, Diana Rodriguez- Blanco, Kaylyn Sands, Joëlle Dussault and Edwina Winston.

All recipients relied on the scholarship to ease the financial burden of working while managing an autoimmune disorder and pursuing post-secondary education.

Jahmeila Moore, a Seneca Polytech graduate, explains that she didn’t know that scholarships for lupus even existed until she came across Lupus Canada’s website.

Photo of Jahmeila Moore, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, wearing a purple Lupus Ontario T-shirt outdoors.

“I wouldn’t say I have a strong support system. I really depend on myself,” says Jahmeila.

“With this scholarship, I’m able to focus on my education without worrying about how I’ll cover all my expenses. It has provided a sense of security and lifted a significant amount of stress off my shoulders.”

Photo of Victoria Fraser, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, seated during a medical treatment with IV in arm.

“Because of this funding and scholarship, I can focus on my degree without having to work, something that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. This time last year, I didn’t believe I would be able to attend school. The financial support has reduced my stress and improved my mental health, which in turn has had a positive impact on my physical health,” says Victoria.

Why Donations Matter

Because lupus flare-ups can be triggered by stress, balancing both mental and physical well-being is essential for effectively managing the disease.

All 10 students who were awarded the Lupus Scholarship reported that it was incredibly difficult to balance their lupus, academics, and work to cover the cost of school. The Lupus Scholarship offers students living with lupus peace of mind, knowing their tuition is covered.

Lupus Canada offers the only nationwide scholarship in Canada that provides financial support specifically for students living with lupus, making support for this program essential to helping those directly affected by the disease.

Portrait of Alex Krnel, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, smiling outdoors under a yellow umbrella.

“People’s donations make it possible to have a scholarship,” says Alex Krnel, a student at the University of Ottawa. “Providing ten scholarships makes it much more attainable, especially since it’s so specific to the one condition – I am really grateful to receive it.”

Portrait of Zerrin Hospedales, Lupus Canada Scholarship Winner, wearing a black gown and pearl necklace.

For Zerrin Hospedales-Alexander, a kinesiology student at the University of Windsor, the scholarship made her feel supported and validated, especially because of the challenges she has faced living with lupus.

“People don’t always understand [lupus], and I have to explain that it is a chronic illness and it can be frustrating. So, the fact that we have an actual scholarship made me feel acknowledged that things are difficult, especially for us,” says Zerrin. “Really, I just feel seen.”

Supporting Students Living With Lupus

Investing in the lives and education of those living with lupus is a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their journey. Through donations and community support, Lupus Canada can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by this disease.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Lupus Scholarship, making a donation or more about scholarship opportunities, please click here.

Thanks to the ongoing support of the William Birchall Foundation, Lupus Canada awarded ten $2,500 post-secondary scholarships to students living with lupus in 2024 and 2025, with ten additional scholarships to be awarded in 2026.