August 15, 2024 —

August is National Make-a-Will Month. In this Community Inspiration Blog, we share the remarkable journey of LRA Board Member Jennifer A. Dakin, who created a lasting legacy by including the LRA in her will.

The year was 2016. Jennifer Dakin was at the top of her game. As a managing director in the Hospitality Finance Group for the Commercial Real Estate Group at Wells Fargo, Jennifer earned a reputation for being a highly effective leader and producer. She managed an expansive real estate portfolio with a sophisticated, institutional client base comprised of private equity firms, large private real estate owners and public companies.

One day, Jennifer was in so much pain and unable to get out of bed.

“I had been seeing my primary care doctor for years, complaining of severe fatigue and joint pain. The doctor believed it was my thyroid, but I knew that there was something else wrong with me. I could not lift my arms above my head, nor walk confidently down the stairs, but eventually made my way to the doctor’s office and refused to leave until we had a better understanding of what was wrong.”

Jennifer was referred to a rheumatologist and he diagnosed her with lupus after various tests. She was immediately put on steroids and hydroxychloroquine, followed by various other medicines and infusions. “But that was just the beginning. It took me years to figure out how to manage and live with lupus.”

Accepting her new normal was a challenge.

“I am a hard charger who didn’t have a nine-to-five job and traveled a fair amount. At first, I didn’t want to share my diagnosis for fear that people would think I was impaired and incapable of working at the high level to which I was accustomed. So, I worked harder. In fact, I had my most successful year ever. But I found that running constantly at a high pace wore me out and I needed to rejigger my routine.”

Jennifer’s coworkers suspected that something was wrong. She was physically incapacitated at times, needing help getting up from her desk or excusing herself to rest.

“Finally, I had to share my diagnosis with my manager as I needed flexibility. I felt ashamed and defeated as I didn’t know how I was going to rebound from this. I was frustrated, sad and wanted clarity as to what I should do so I could resume my ‘normal’ lifestyle. I learned that there was a ‘new normal.’”

Then, she learned about the LRA.

Jennifer was introduced to the Lupus Research Alliance in 2020 by her friend Leslie Hale, President and Chief Executive Officer, RLJ Lodging Trust. Leslie helps raise awareness and funds for lupus research in tribute to her sister, Wendy, who lost her battle with the disease.

“I got involved with the LRA and eventually the Board of Directors, as I didn’t want people to flounder as I did for years after I was diagnosed. Washington D.C., where I live and work, does not have a great network of physicians who specialize in this disease, nor did I know of a community that could put me on a path toward rebuilding a happy, healthy lifestyle while keeping my lupus in check. The LRA provided me with resources, physician referrals and a network. I want to make sure others are aware of the LRA so they too can get the help that they need to live life to its fullest.”

Soon, Jennifer found her voice and a new mission.

Leslie not only introduced Jennifer to the LRA, but also encouraged her to be a driving force by sharing her story and highlighting the organization’s vast resources so that others can benefit. That’s exactly what Jennifer did during her speech at the 2022 LRA gala honoring Leslie.

In 2023, Jennifer joined the LRA Board of Directors, where she contributes in strategic and creative ways. “In addition to serving on the finance committee and being an advisor on their venture philanthropy model, I am an active, vocal participant in our quarterly meetings. I am on a mission to help those who have trouble helping themselves, whether it involves finding the right care, navigating funding, or securing a supportive network.”

She recently named the LRA as a beneficiary in her will.

If lupus has taught Jennifer anything, it’s that life is short and should be lived to the fullest and with purpose. “My legacy gift to the LRA is my way of giving back so others don’t struggle like I did. I hope that my gift will not only help sponsor continued research, but also resources, education and patient support to help people with lupus navigate this complicated disease.”

Jennifer urges others to consider making charitable donations and/or legacy gifts to the LRA. “I take great satisfaction in giving to the LRA and I encourage others to do so and make a positive impact on those suffering with this disease. No matter how large or small the amount, every cent supports much needed research and resources.”

Jennifer is proof that life with lupus is possible.

Jennifer is doing well, still working as a commercial real estate executive and enjoying her many hobbies, including walking, cycling, sailing and entertaining in her home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

“Lupus may force you to navigate a slightly different path than you expected, but it can be managed. In addition to medicine, food, sleep and exercise, mental strength and determination are important in controlling this disease. The LRA can help by propelling you on your journey to a life well lived.”

Learn more about how you can make a charitable donation or legacy gift to the Lupus Research Alliance.