Alva woman delivers supplies, joy despite diagnosis of incurable disease

One Alva woman delivers hope to Southwest Florida patients in need.

When Jennifer Scalora, 51, was diagnosed with Lupus, the same incurable disease she lost her mother to, Scalora wasn’t about to give up doing what she loves, including her job as a FedEx delivery driver.

“I have a job I enjoy and it’s important for me bringing people what they need,” Scalora said.

Despite experiencing severe pain through most of her body and being eligible for disability, Scalora said she was determined to keep working and showing others the possibility of a life with Lupus, so she customized her FedEx truck to accommodate her sores, arthritis, sensitivity to light and other symptoms of Lupus.

“I don’t think people recognize Lupus as being as severe as it is because we look normal, we look healthy,” Scalora said. “I had paralyzing arthritis, fatigue…when my Lupus was at its peak, I thought I was going to die.”

Some of Scalora’s deliveries even included medical supplies for her own treatment.
“With modern medicine you can reclaim your life and try to live as pain free as possible,” Scalora said.

Her attitude and efforts spark smiles everywhere she goes, and Scalora is also involved in organizing local events to raise awareness and support for Lupus. Recently, she and the Southwest Florida Lupus Chapter held a fashion show featuring models with the autoimmune disease.

“The most rewarding part for me is watching women transform from a victim and feeling that there’s no hope to actually realizing they can continue their life,” Scalora said.

Scalora’s local chapter for people affected by Lupus meets every third Saturday at 8300 Collier Boulevard from 10:30 until noon. For further inquiries, Scalora encourages you contact islandjan@gmail.com.