Marie Patrice Denegall Fund for Lupus, Inc. was established in 2000 by her parents, James and Patricia Denegall . Shortly after her 18th birthday. Marie was diagnosed with lupus and died four months later. This strange chronic incurable disease was virtually unknown to Marie's parents. So their mission became to promote awareness of and educate their community about lupus that disproportionately affects women more than men of color. In addition, the organization raises funds for lupus research and programs through the Lupus Foundation of America and to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors as Marie's high school diploma was granted posthumously.