Our History
Shadow Jumpers was founded in December of 2017.
Craig Leppert was diagnosed with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) at a young age, which sparked his passion for all things sun-related. Triumphing over his EPP diagnosis led to Craig and his family (which included his EPP sister Nicole) being featured on various national platforms, including the Dr. Oz Show, Mystery Diagnosis, ABC News, and several print publications.
Through this exposure, Craig connected with numerous individuals and families living with EPP and listened to their experiences. It deeply concerned him to witness so many people allowing the sun and EPP to control their lives. Many young individuals were abandoning their dreams, adventures, careers, and even relationships due to the fear of potential harm from UV ray exposure.
A Syracuse University graduate now living in Los Angeles, Craig conceived the idea for Shadow Jumpers to inspire young individuals with EPP to pursue their aspirations despite their sun-related challenges.
In 2018, the organization's first family assistance initiative helped an EPP family enjoy an all-expenses-paid, sun-proof trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, thanks to Shadow Jumpers' planning. The success and social media buzz from that trip allowed a second EPP family to experience a sun-free Disney visit in 2019.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shadow Jumpers resumed its activities in September 2021, emerging stronger than ever. The organization shifted from offering one pre-selected vacation annually to allowing families to request personalized and unique assistance. Shadow Jumpers also announced its commitment to supporting all photosensitive conditions moving forward, not just EPP.
The nonprofit since then has successfully sent families on sun-proof vacations to destinations like Myrtle Beach, Rocking Horse Ranch, and the Great Wolf Lodge. Additionally, it has renovated basements and garages into summer hideaways, provided financial relief for families struggling with medical bills, and initiated a clothing drive to collect high-quality UV protective garments.
Click HERE to read more about Craig’s story in his own words
Our name, SHADOW JUMPERS, originates from the frequent experience of individuals with photosensitive conditions "jumping" from one shadow to another to reduce their sunlight exposure while outdoors.
This term became famous inside the Leppert family by Craig Leppert and his EPP sister, Nicole, during their summer family vacations in California and Florida. They would dash from one shaded area to the next, pausing in the shadows as the rest of their family caught up.
Our logo has taken different forms since our creation in 2017 but it has always been inspired by our mission.
