Our Founders

Meet the passionate individuals who started Gift Lupus Foundation and continue to drive our mission forward

Our Story

How a personal journey with lupus inspired a mission to help others

Gift Lupus Foundation was born from a place of personal experience and deep compassion. Our founder, touched by lupus in different ways, came together with a shared vision: to create a supportive community for those affected by this complex autoimmune disease.

What began as a small support group in a living room has grown into a nationwide organization providing education, resources, and hope to thousands of individuals and families navigating life with lupus.

Our founders' personal journeys with lupus—whether as patients, caregivers, or medical professionals—have shaped every aspect of our foundation's approach to supporting the lupus community.

Meet Our Founder

The passionate individuals behind Gift Lupus Foundation

Sarah Johnson

Dr. Nguumbur Lovette Ikongo-Ononuga

President & CEO

Dr. Nguumbur Lovette Ikongo-Ononuga is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Gift Lupus Foundation (GLF), Nigeria, established in 2020. Her advocacy for lupus patients was shaped by personal experience, having lost a sister to the disease. She is a leading voice in Nigeria calling for improved awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and policy support for lupus.

Our Journey

Key milestones in the history of Gift Lupus Foundation

2020

The Beginning

Sarah Johnson holds the first support group meeting in her living room with just 5 attendees.

2021

Official Foundation

Gift Lupus Foundation is officially established as a nonprofit organization with Sarah, Dr. Chen, and Emily as founding members.

2022

First Research Grant

The foundation awards its first research grant to study new treatments for lupus nephritis.

2023

National Expansion

Support groups expand to 15 states, reaching over 2,000 individuals affected by lupus.

2024

Education Initiative

Launch of comprehensive online education platform for patients, families, and healthcare providers.

2025

Research Breakthrough

Foundation-funded research contributes to a new FDA-approved treatment for lupus.

Join Our Mission

Help us continue the work our founders started by supporting the lupus community

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