The Sherri Little Foundation, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization which provides micro-grants of $1,000 or less to chronic pain patients with limited financial resources and social support. Formed in March 2017, the foundation was established to honor Sherri Little’s dream of helping chronic pain patients get the assistance they need. These grants may be used for travel to see specialists, medical equipment, alternative therapies, treatments, and other expenses insurance doesn’t cover. To apply or donate to the Sherri Little Foundation, visit their site at SherriLittleFoundation.org.
The following is my interview with Lily, a 15-year-old living with chronic pain, and her mom, Ann. I’m so excited for you to meet them! Lily received a Sherri Little Foundation grant in 2024, and together, she and Ann share how this support has impacted their lives. We’ll talk about what they used the scholarship for and the difference in their journey with chronic pain.
You’re going to be inspired by what they have to share!
Lily, can you tell us a little about yourself—your interests, what you enjoy doing, and anything you’d like our readers to know about you?
Lily: I’m 15. I love playing games and listening to music. I also enjoy doing research on psychology, linguistics, and history.
I have a lot of health challenges. The ones I struggle with most are ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, chronic pain (specifically AMPS and RLS), depression and anxiety, and PTSD.
What were some of the challenges you were dealing with before you received the grant?
Lily: I had multiple issues. We wanted a new mobility device. We only had a transport chair, which, unlike a wheelchair, is not made for people to be self-sufficient. I couldn’t really use a wheelchair because it drained all my energy, and then I wouldn’t have any left to do other stuff. The only way I could get around was to use my legs to push myself or be moved by others.
How did you feel when you found out you’d been chosen to receive the Sherri Little Foundation grant and what did you use the grant money for?
Lily: I was glad. It felt good knowing I could have some control and independence. I would finally be able to have some sort of control, instead of relying on other people.
Can you describe how that support helped you personally?
Lily: It has changed things. I do not have to wait for my mom to move me now.
This is Ann, Lily’s mom, sharing her perspective on how the grant has impacted their lives.
Can you share what life was like for your family before you received the grant?
Ann: We only had a transport chair that I had paid for out of pocket. The doctor didn’t understand why my daughter, with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, would need a transport chair or wheelchair. The doctor wouldn’t write a prescription for a wheelchair or mobility scooter which meant there was no way to get insurance coverage. As a mom on disability, I could not afford to buy her a mobility scooter on my own.
What made you decide to apply for the grant?
Ann: It was a chance to get my daughter something she needed!
What changes have you seen in your daughter since receiving the grant?
Ann: The mobility scooter has brought independence back. She can go places and not need anyone to push her. Because of her health, she could not ride in a wheelchair; she needed someone to push her. But now, she can do teen activities by herself, and she feels happy and can enjoy life more.
Has the grant made a difference for your family as a whole, not just for Lily?
Ann: We were lucky enough to have the Sherri Little Foundation donate a thousand dollars towards a scooter." Yes, the mobility scooter has impacted both her and me. It’s been such a blessing watching her use her scooter to go to church youth groups on her own. She can go to the mall. We’ve been to so many places. Seeing her happy when she goes places, knowing she does not need to rely on others, has been amazing!
Ann and Lily at the Third Annual Pediatric Pain Warrior Family Summer Camp in 2024
It’s amazing to see how much of a difference the Sherri Little Foundation grant has made—not just for Lily’s independence, but for their whole family.
A big thank you to Lily and Ann for opening up and sharing their journey with us. And of course, a huge thank you to the Sherri Little Foundation for the incredible support you’re giving families like theirs.
Action Steps
Don't miss your chance to apply for a micro-grant from the Sherri Little Foundation, Inc! Head over to SherriLittleFoundation.org and sign up to be notified as soon as the next grant application window opens. That way, you'll be the first to know and can get your materials ready early.
Help keep Sherri's vision going by providing a tax deductible donation at SherriLittleFoundation.org/donate.
About the Author
Melissa Swanson is a chronic pain patient, advocate, and author. Through her Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life Facebook page and blog, she offers positive encouragement, medical information, resources, and support to nearly 25,000 fibromyalgia and chronic pain patients. She is a Certified Fibromyalgia Advisor, the author of Ravyn’s Doll: How to Explain Fibromyalgia To Your Child, and a graduate of the Leaders Against Pain Scholarship Training, sponsored by the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association.
