Social Butterflies Foundation
Social Butterflies Foundation was founded by lupus survivor, Chastity Corbett on October 5, 2018. It is a grassroots organization dedicated to helping those battling with lupus and fibromyalgia, as well as their families and caregivers.
Our mission is to provide direct assistance, education, support services, and encouragement to empower and uplift those living with lupus and/or fibromyalgia to help them and their families face the challenges of these debilitating illnesses. Lupus and fibromyalgia receive little to no attention yet devastate so many lives. There is no cure for either illness.
It is our vision that no one living with lupus or fibromyalgia will have to endure the challenges of these life-threatening illnesses alone. We envision survivors uniting so their voices and needs will be heard so they can receive the support needed. They will no longer have to hide behind their masks, but instead, make these invisible illnesses visible for the world to see and understand.
Social Butterflies Foundation recognizes the shortfalls in the community in supporting patients and caregivers of those suffering from lupus and fibromyalgia. There is a noted gap in the education, support services, direct assistance, medical coverage, and the link between survivors and the medical community as families struggle to manage their daily challenges. The goal of the foundation is to bridge the gaps, unite the survivors, create a unified voice, and make a difference. Lupus is life threatening, and fibromyalgia is life altering, but many people still no very little about them.
Many survivors upon initial diagnosis are thrust into a world of fear, pain, and depression as they struggle to help others understand their illness. Survivors are losing jobs, health benefits, homes, and their ability to care for their families. The numbers of those affected are increasing at an alarming rate as the awareness and focus on this disease is slowly being recognized, yet the support and access to care is still severely lacking.
Social Butterflies Foundation’s free programs and services has made significant steps towards bringing the survivors, the medical community, and support services together. With the generosity and support of the community, Social Butterflies Foundation has been able to assist survivors and their families by paying utility bills and medical bills, providing a $2,000 scholarship to young survivors each year for the past three years, host monthly support groups for both youth and adults, provide over 325 wigs to survivors suffering from alopecia, distributing over 300 blessing bags filled with PPE and 200 backpacks filled with school supplies, host educational summits and health fairs, and advocate for survivors and their families by not just hosting awareness events but by speaking with legislators.
Our mantra is “Butterflies don’t let each other fly alone”. It is our hope to never have to turn a survivor away who needs assistance. To support Social Butterflies Foundation, consider making a monetary gift donation, attending or sponsoring one of the organization’s special events such as our annual Butterfly Walk for Lupus & Fibro that takes place at John B Todd Stadium in Newport News, supporting our DMV license plate campaign, or volunteering. You can learn more information at www.socialbutterfliesfoundation.org.