Raising Hope: Building a Community Around a Shared Purpose

For Madison Knapp, the Autoimmune Association is more than just a nonprofit—it’s personal. Diagnosed with her first autoimmune disease, vitiligo, at the age of 3, Madison’s journey has been marked by perseverance and purpose. By 7, she had already been diagnosed with several more autoimmune conditions. By 10, she was grappling with joint pain, and by 12, she was on long-term immunosuppressive medication to manage painful flares.

“I always describe my journey as being a boat in the ocean,” she explains. “You never know when a big wave will come, but you learn to navigate the waters as best you can.”

Living with multiple autoimmune diseases has meant facing chronic pain daily. Madison often feels it in her dominant hand, hips, knees, and ankles—making physical activity and everyday tasks unpredictable and difficult. “I don’t remember a time without chronic pain,” she shares. “Instead of mourning a healthier version of myself, I mourn the capabilities I know I should have—the things I’d like to do that I’m limited in.”

Despite those limits, Madison doesn’t let her autoimmune disease define her. As a certified personal trainer, she’s found ways to adapt her approach to fitness—focusing on what she can do rather than what she can’t. “There’s always a way to adapt, no matter what you’re doing,” she says, describing her strategy of prioritizing strength exercises over endurance, and adjusting movements to fit her body’s needs.

This year, Madison took her passion and resilience a step further—by launching her own autoimmune disease fundraiser in support of the Autoimmune Association. Having worked in philanthropy for five years, she was ready to launch her own effort. She pledged to jog one mile for every $25 raised, hoping to raise both awareness and funds for those living with autoimmune diseases.

She kicked off her campaign on February 10 and quickly reached her initial goal. Only two weeks later, she had raised over $1,500—surpassing even her second milestone. Due to the overwhelming support, Madison capped the number of pledged miles at 67 and is committed to completing them by the end of the year.

But Madison didn’t jump into the physical challenge unprepared. She spent time training both her body and her mind—testing how long she could walk, how her body responded afterward, and how to best pace herself while honoring her health needs.

Her strategic approach extended to her outreach efforts. Madison personalized messages to friends, family, and colleagues, and used platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share her story. She followed up with heartfelt thank-you notes within 24 hours of every donation and kept her network engaged with regular updates—highlighting fundraising milestones, her physical progress, and reflections on life with autoimmune disease.

“Fundraising can feel daunting,” she admits. “But I’ve learned that if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. This experience has reinforced how generous and supportive people can be. It’s allowed me to raise awareness and build community—two things that mean the world to me.”

Her advice for others considering an autoimmune disease fundraiser? Believe in the support around you. Be intentional. Segment your outreach, use multiple platforms, and most importantly, share your authentic story. “People connect with realness,” she says. “And never underestimate the power of a simple thank you. Fundraising isn’t just about raising money—it’s about building a community around a shared purpose.”

To learn how you can organize your own fundraiser and raise hope for the autoimmune community, please visit our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Fundraising page.