The Quad

Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: News

Ms. Janae Miller was a third- year student, of the College of Health Sciences, looking to pursue a career in respiratory therapy. On Jan. 21, Miller died suddenly due to complications from Lupus.

She stopped taking classes during her fall semester from her illness. Now her classmates, teachers, friends and family are honoring her memory.

On Wednesday, Jan. 23 in front of Sykes, a vigil was held to remember Miller. Donations and sympathy cards were also collected for her family.

Darren Lipscomb, president of the organization Black Men United, participated in the remembrance of Janae.

"We understand that she knew and touched a lot of students on campus and we couldn't allow her death to go unnoticed," Lipscomb said.

The candlelight vigil was conducted by The Black Men United organization. The organization passed around candles to everyone and continued to collect donations for her family. Classmates have also made donations to the Lupus foundation in her name.

The money will go towards conducting further research for the disease. Other contributors to Miller involved Delta Sigma Theta. The sorority made a generous donation to the Lupus foundation in honor of Miller's memory and offer help to other patients battling the disease.

Latoya Pollitt was Miller's best friend since the second grade and had remained faithfully by her side ever since she was diagnosed with Lupus as a sophomore in high school.

Although Miller was battling the disease since a young age, she never gave up on her dreams. Pollitt spoke beautiful words about Janae and what she loved most about her.

"I admired her enthusiasm and her drive to succeed, she had been sick for a while, but she never let her illness hinder her goals," Says Pollitt. "Her death was very sudden and unexpected; she didn't want many people to know about her being sick, she had such a big heart."

Pollitt had grown up with Millers's family and she continues to remain close to the family. Pollitt has taken a week off from classes and other activities to make sure she is there for the Miller family through this difficult time according to Pollitt.

Students or staff who would like to help other with Lupus can make contributions to the Miller family or to the Lupus Foundation. To find out more about making donations or taking action you can visit the Lupus website at http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html.

Through all the lives Janae has touched, her strong spirit and charisma will never be forgotten.

Christie Samaha is a fourth-year student majoring in communications studies. She can be reached at CS619532@wcupa.edu

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