One volunteer’s courage, compassion, and determination can inspire an entire community.
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ is proud to introduce two meaningful but distinct ways to recognize service and support the lupus community:
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The Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge, an earned iron-on patch for individuals who complete a qualifying lupus-related activity and submit proof.
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The Lupus Awareness Pinback Button, designed by lupus advocate Dana Taylor and available to anyone who wants to raise awareness or show support. No volunteer activity, proof, or GVRP membership is required to purchase the button.
Both were inspired by Dana Taylor, Mrs. West Virginia Captivating 2026, a GVRP member whose journey shows how personal challenges can be transformed into advocacy, service, and hope.
From Unanswered Questions to Advocacy
Dana lived through nearly two decades of misdiagnosis and unanswered questions before receiving her lupus diagnosis in 2020. She later experienced seizures caused by lupus, including one that changed her life forever. While driving with her twin daughters, she suffered a seizure, lost consciousness, and her vehicle crashed into a house. She remained unconscious for several hours before being rushed by ambulance to the hospital, where she spent several days in intensive care. When she woke up, she faced a new challenge: learning to walk again. By the grace of God, her daughters and everyone else involved walked away without injury.
Just three days before she was scheduled to compete for Mrs. Captivating 2025, her medical specialists made the difficult decision that she could not participate. It was a heartbreaking moment, but not the end of her story.
Now, as Captivating celebrates its 15th Anniversary, Dana has been given the opportunity to return to the national stage. One year after relearning to walk, every step she takes is a reminder that hope is stronger than fear, setbacks do not have the final word, and even after life's darkest moments, you can rise again. Sometimes, the kindness and belief of others become the strength you need until you find your own again.
Instead of allowing those experiences to silence her, Dana became the advocate and source of hope she once needed.
As West Virginia’s first National Ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America, Dana uses her compassion, resilience, personal experience, and clinical mental health expertise to support people who may feel dismissed, overlooked, isolated, or unheard.
Her advocacy is deeply personal. Dana understands how difficult it can be to search for answers, navigate a life-changing diagnosis, and feel as though no one fully understands what you are experiencing. Today, she works to help ensure that no one walks through the lupus journey alone.
Serving the Lupus Community in Many Ways
Dana has represented the lupus community through numerous statewide and national volunteer leadership roles, including:
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National Ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America
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Representative at the National Lupus Advocacy Summit on Capitol Hill
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Lupus support group facilitator
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Host of an in-person Walk to End Lupus Now®
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Member of the Lupus Research Action Network
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Speakers Bureau representative
Dana was also recently featured in the Lupus Foundation of America’s “Lupus and Sun Protection Tips” social media content alongside her horses, combining important education with a meaningful part of her personal life.
Away from advocacy, volunteer service, and public appearances, Dana finds peace on her small rescue farm, where every animal is safe, loved, and cherished. The farm reminds her that healing can be gentle and that something beautiful can grow when we choose to nurture what once felt broken.
Lupus may have changed Dana’s life and ability to work, but it did not take away her joy, purpose, or determination. After relearning how to walk, Dana dreams of stepping onto a national pageant stage in heels one more time. Her goal is not simply to pursue a crown, but to show others that resilience and hope are real.
Why GVRP Created the Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge
Dana’s service inspired the Global Volunteer Recognition Program to create a recognition that extends beyond one diagnosis, profession, organization, or type of volunteer role.
The Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge does not recognize someone simply for having lupus. It recognizes people who choose to serve.
Recipients may include people living with lupus, caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, advocates, students, community leaders, pageant participants, volunteers, or anyone inspired to learn more and do more.
Some recipients may lead highly visible advocacy campaigns or public events. Others may create educational materials, support research, help a family, volunteer behind the scenes, or help one person feel less alone.
Every contribution has value.
The phrase “anyone inspired to learn more and do more” reflects the heart of this recognition. Meaningful service is not defined by a diagnosis, profession, title, or personal connection to lupus. It is defined by a willingness to serve with compassion, stand beside people affected by lupus, and help create a stronger, more informed, and more hopeful community.
What Does the Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge Represent?
At its heart, the badge represents three connected commitments:
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Advocate • Educate • Understand
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Service Beyond Diagnosis
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Inspiring Hope • Advancing Research
These messages reflect the shared purpose that unites every recipient: helping create a future where each person affected by lupus is seen, supported, understood, and empowered.
The badge recognizes the purpose behind the service, not just how or where the service was completed.
How Do You Earn the Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge?
The physical Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge is an earned iron-on patch.
To earn it, participants must:
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Complete at least one meaningful lupus-related volunteer, education, awareness, advocacy, fundraising, or support activity.
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Submit proof showing what they completed and how it supported lupus awareness or the lupus community.
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Receive approval from the Global Volunteer Recognition Program.
There is no minimum number of volunteer hours, and GVRP membership is not required.
Qualifying activities may include:
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Volunteering at a lupus walk, fundraiser, educational program, support event, health fair, or community outreach activity
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Supporting a reputable lupus organization with outreach, fundraising, event planning, research support, graphic design, administrative work, or another volunteer need
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Creating and sharing accurate educational materials about lupus
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Promoting a reputable lupus support group, educational event, advocacy initiative, or community resource
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Participating in nonpartisan advocacy related to lupus research, education, healthcare access, or community support
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Organizing or supporting a fundraiser, donation drive, walk team, or awareness event
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Completing an encouragement or resource project for people and families affected by lupus
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Sharing a personal lupus story or helping amplify another person’s story with their permission
Purchasing the patch alone does not earn the badge. Each participant’s qualifying activity and documentation must be reviewed and approved.
Review the complete requirements and earn the Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge.
Dana’s Lupus Awareness Pinback Button
Dana also designed a special Lupus Awareness Pinback Button for anyone who wants to show support for the lupus community.
Unlike the earned achievement patch, the pinback button does not require a completed volunteer activity, proof, or GVRP membership.
The button is available to:
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People living with lupus
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Caregivers, family members, and friends
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Healthcare professionals and researchers
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Advocates, educators, and volunteers
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Students and pageant participants
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Community organizations and support groups
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Anyone who wants to raise awareness and encourage understanding
The pinback button can be worn on a sash, jacket, backpack, tote bag, lanyard, or event outfit. It can also be given as an encouragement gift, lupus awareness item, volunteer appreciation gift, or reminder that no one should have to face lupus alone.
Dana’s involvement makes the button more than a general awareness product. Its design carries the perspective of someone who has lived the journey, served the community, and helped shape what this recognition should represent.
Purchase the Lupus Awareness Pinback Button designed by Dana Taylor.
What Is the Difference Between the Patch and the Button?
The two products share a common purpose, but they have different requirements.
Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge Patch
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Earned through a qualifying lupus-related activity
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Proof must be submitted and approved
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Represents completed volunteer service, advocacy, education, or community impact
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GVRP membership is not required
Lupus Awareness Pinback Button
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Available to anyone
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No volunteer activity is required
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No proof or approval is required
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GVRP membership is not required
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Designed by Dana Taylor to encourage awareness, understanding, and support
Purchasing the pinback button does not earn the Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge. Individuals who want both products must purchase them through their separate product listings.
Join Dana’s Virtual Lupus Support Group
Dana facilitates the Lupus Foundation of America’s West Virginia virtual support group. Although the group is listed under West Virginia, Dana welcomes participants from other states and locations.
Participants do not need to be members of or otherwise affiliated with the Lupus Foundation of America.
Meetings are held virtually through Zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Remaining 2026 Meeting Dates
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August 11, 2026
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October 13, 2026
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November 10, 2026
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December 8, 2026
To register, visit the Lupus Foundation of America’s support-group directory, scroll to the West Virginia section, and select the meeting registration link.
Questions may also be sent to Dana’s West Virginia support group.
Hear Dana Speak at Lupus & You
Dana is scheduled to participate in the speaker panel for Lupus & You: Practical Tips for Your Journey, a virtual program presented by the Lupus Foundation of America.
The event will be held through Zoom on Wednesday, August 26, 2026:
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7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern
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6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Central
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5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Mountain
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4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Pacific
Anyone may participate regardless of location or prior affiliation with the Lupus Foundation of America.
Learn more and register for Lupus & You: Practical Tips for Your Journey.
Connect With Dana and Find Lupus Resources
Follow Dana on Instagram at @danataylor_wv or find her on Facebook under Dana Taylor.
For trusted information about lupus education, support, research, advocacy, and community resources, visit the Lupus Foundation of America.
Turn Awareness Into Action
Awareness becomes more powerful when it leads to understanding, compassion, support, and action.
The Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge recognizes people who complete meaningful service. Dana’s Lupus Awareness Pinback Button gives everyone another way to stand beside the lupus community and help spread its message.
Whether someone’s contribution reaches thousands of people or quietly helps one person feel seen and understood, it can make a meaningful difference.
Dana’s story reminds us that service does not require a particular title, profession, diagnosis, or personal connection. It begins with the decision to care and the courage to act.
Advocate. Educate. Understand. Inspire hope. Advance research. Serve beyond diagnosis.
The Lupus Volunteer Achievement Badge and Lupus Awareness Pinback Button are independently offered by the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™. They do not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by the Lupus Foundation of America or another third-party organization. Unless expressly stated elsewhere, product purchases are not donations to the Lupus Foundation of America.