Providing Answers, Support and Hope in the Southeastern US

This is my chapter |

The life of Michael Barlin — late son of Judy & Wayne Barlin — was celebrated at a Miami reception launching the Michael Jon Barlin Scholarship Fund, to benefit college students who are affected by Lupus. Mike lost his courageous 10-year battle with Lupus on August 16, 2006, the young age of 24. The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Region, is privileged to offer an annual $5,000 scholarship to support the educational expenses of a Florida resident diagnosed with lupus. The scholarship is in memory of Michael Jon Barlin, who died from complications of lupus at age twenty-four. He struggled with the debilitating effects of the disease for ten years, but during that time managed to obtain a BS degree with honors from the University of Miami. Michael touched many people during his short life and those close to him and his family have established this scholarship fund to assist college students bearing the extra burden of this disease.

General Guidelines

Applicant must provide proof (Driver's License, State ID or Passport) of PRIMARY residency in the State of Florida.
Applicant must already be attending a four-year college or university and provide confirmation (PDF of Official Transcript or Unofficial Transcript, if mid-semester) of matriculation from the college. MUST BE AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT.
Applicant must present a letter from his/her physician confirming a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Applicant must be working toward a degree with a minimum of nine credits per semester and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Applicant must submit a one-page statement of how lupus has affected his/her college experience.
The scholarship will be made on an annual basis to one recipient. Previous awardees may not reapply.
The scholarship award will be sent directly to the college or university and may be used for tuition, room and board, books and fees.
Deadline is August 31 of each year.
Complete the application in full and include all required documents (please adhere to all document requirements as your application will be withdrawn if all documents are not submitted.

Thank you to the Barlin Family for sharing Michael's legacy with so many. You have changed so many lives over the last 15 years. Watch the video below to learn more about how this scholarship has changed the lives of so many Lupus Warriors.

Meet past recipients:

2023 Kristen Palmer
2022 Fabiana Gonzalez
2020/21 Jennifer Gomez
2019 Kwesi Kwapong
2018 Christina Caruana
2017 Davis Vertin
2016 Samantha Pellegrino
2015 Devin Cowan
2014 Lorraine Freytes
2013 Allison Kalinsky
2012 Sophia Masere
2011 Vanessa Cardona
2010 Katy Haddon
2009 Samantha McNeil
2008 Jonathan Ramirez