Long Live Stephanie Star: A Legacy of Love & Advocacy

STEPHANIE STAR LUJAN

10/22/1981-5/5/2025

LYME DISEASE-BABESIA

LONG LIVE STEPHANIE: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE & LEGACY

My name is Melanie Lujan, and I lost my identical mirror twin — Stephanie Star Lujan — far too soon.

Stephanie was a radiant soul. A mother. A model. A quick-witted, down-for-anything spirit sister to all. A beach lover. A warrior. She had the brightest smile in the room, the best laugh, and a heart full of compassion. She didn’t carry judgment—only love.

Stephanie brought joy and light to everyone around her, even as she privately battled an invisible, relentless illness.

This fundraiser is for three things:

1. To give Stephanie the Celebration of Life she deserves

2. To support her five children through this heartbreaking transition

3. To launch a foundation in her name that will fight for families affected by Lyme disease and medical neglect

HER BATTLE WITH A PHANTOM DISEASE

At just 13 years old, Stephanie was bitten by a tick. The infection—later diagnosed as chronic Lyme disease with Babesia and co-infections—altered the course of her life.

These parasitic invaders damaged her immune system and left her fighting through waves of pain, exhaustion, and cognitive fog. It’s what I call a phantom disease: invisible to most, yet devastating to the one carrying it.

Despite her suffering, Stephanie was dismissed, ignored, and misunderstood by the medical system. She paid for advanced testing out-of-pocket—just to get answers. By the time she was finally diagnosed, the damage was done.

She was denied proper care, and left to navigate an impossible reality. And still—she smiled. She danced. She mothered five beautiful children with fierce devotion.

WHEN EVERYTHING CHANGED

In 2023, During a crises, services she desperately needed never fully materialised. Her stability collapsed causing a rippled effect.

Despite her resilience and our family’s efforts, Her health spiralled quickly, and we lost her far too soon.

We are still searching for answers. But one thing is clear: no one should have to suffer the way she did.

THE LONG LIVE STEPHANIE MOVEMENT & THE STEPHANIE STAR FOUNDATION

Out of this tragedy, we are planting something powerful and lasting:

The Long Live Stephanie Movement — a call to healing, advocacy, and action

The Stephanie Star Foundation — a nonprofit to carry forward her legacy through awareness, support, and change

Our mission:

• Raise awareness of chronic Lyme disease, co-infections, and their devastating impact

• Donate Stephanie’s tissue samples to research institutions to advance diagnosis and treatment

• Advocate for policy reform and accountability in cases of medical neglect

• Create healing platforms for families living with invisible and misunderstood illnesses

• Support MS awareness, inspired by Stephanie’s son Anthony, diagnosed in 2023

If you or a loved one have a story to share, comment INTERVIEW to join our storytelling campaign. Your voice matters.

HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP

Your gift will directly support:

• A Celebration of Life that reflects Stephanie’s spirit—joyful, wild, and full of love

• Urgent financial relief for her five children: Anthony (21), DJ (14), Ashlyn (11), Kayhyn (5), and Belle (3)

• The official launch and outreach of The Stephanie Star Foundation

• Memorial live-stream access for donors who wish to join from afar

We are committed to full transparency at every step.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Today, only two U.S. states fully recognize chronic Lyme disease. That means thousands—like Stephanie—are dismissed, denied care, and left in silence.

This must change.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donate to fund her memorial, support her children, and fuel the foundation

• Share this campaign with others who care about healthcare reform and chronic illness awareness

• Speak up by sharing your story or joining our interview series

• Follow our updates as we launch petitions and demand policy change

A SISTER’S PROMISE

Stephanie was a wild soul with a tender heart—a bright star who never stopped shining, not even in death.

As her twin, I carry the weight of this loss—and the fire it left behind. Her passing broke something open in all of us who loved her. It gave us purpose, clarity, and a mission bigger than grief.

Now we rise. For her. For her legacy. To turn our pain into purpose.

The movement begins now.

LONG LIVE STEPHANIE

With love and fierce dedication,

Melanie Lujan

Twin Sister of Stephanie Star Lujan

Co-Founder, The Stephanie Star Foundation

Tentative Celebration of Life Donation Ends July 26, 2025

CLICK HERE —>Lyme Disease

It’s worse than you think