My Story: Turning Pain into Purpose

Hi, my name is Lukas. I am a Colombian bioengineering student trying to return to New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) to finish my degree and dedicate my life to researching chronic diseases.

During my last year of high school, while going back and forth between doctors, I was diagnosed with seronegative arthritis. Getting slapped with an "incurable disease" tag was overwhelming, but it gave me something I needed even more than comfort: purpose.

Late nights spent down medical rabbit holes made me realize how many conditions are still labeled "idiopathic"—a medical term meaning we don't know the root cause. To me, that word wasn't a life sentence; it was a challenge. I decided to pursue Bioengineering so I could become a researcher and find real, actionable answers for the next generation suffering from chronic, excruciating illnesses like the one I live with.

The Hardship & Why I Need Your Help

I was fortunate enough to finish high school as valedictorian despite it all and, after more than 20 college applications, earn an 85% scholarship to NYU Abu Dhabi.

I already completed 1.5 out of 4 years. But over a year ago, my dad lost his job, and our family fell into severe financial distress.

I’ve spent the last two semesters stuck home in Panama. As a family, we’ve had to make heartbreaking sacrifices just to survive—including giving away our beloved cat, Benito, during an eviction and rationing food (I lost nearly 14 kg).

Through all of this, my drive to finish my education hasn't faded. NYUAD has granted me official readmission, giving me a second chance to finish what I started. But to return for the upcoming academic year, I must cover the remaining 15% of tuition/costs that my scholarship doesn't cover, plus past balances.

Where the Funds Will Go ($8,000 Total Goal)

These funds will be used to:

Edit: any funds past this will go towards the final year and a half which have similar costs and plane tickets for those upcoming semesters to Panama when I am not allowed to stay on campus for summers.

(I got 3/8 semesters completed at this point)

Every contribution, regardless of its size, brings me one step closer to returning to the classroom—and eventually, to the research laboratory.

Why Your Help Matters

I am not asking for a shortcut.

I am asking for the opportunity to continue walking a path I have already begun to serve society in the future.

My goal is to dedicate my career to researching chronic diseases and developing technologies such as stem cells and organoids for trials that provide real answers for patients like me, who have spent years searching for them.

I know firsthand what it feels like to be young, chronically ill, and uncertain about the future.

And I also know now what it feels like to be committed to a cause bigger than oneself, so thank you for becoming part of the reason I can continue pursuing it.

With gratitude,

Lukas Perez Valle.