Our History
Shadow Jumpers was founded in 2017 by patients, caregivers and medical professionals specifically from the rare photosensitive community.
One of those individuals was Craig Leppert, who was diagnosed with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) at a young age and found a 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 Shadow Jumpers Logo has taken many forms over the years but it has always been inspired by our mission.
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MoleCUTE
When we launched Shadow Jumpers in 2017, we lovingly referred to our logo as “Heme Man.” This design is inspired by the heme molecule found in the body, which is commonly linked to photosensitive porphyria; the only type of photosensitivity that Shadow Jumpers supported at its start.
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The Kiddos
A second generation of heme inspired designs represented Shadow Jumpers in 2018 when we introduced HEME KIDS. The pivot to unlimited cuteness helped symbolize our commitment to the youngest photosensitive generation as we started our sun safe Disney World trips of families.
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Long Sleeve Crew
In 2019, we proudly introduced Eric, Phillip, and Penny, collectively known as The Long Sleeve Crew. Their logo illustrated the typical ways children protect themselves from the sun, drawing inspiration from real photosensitive kids. Notably, the first letter of each name, spelling out E.P.P., served as a tribute to the primary photosensitive condition that the organization focused on at that time.
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Digital Makeover
After a two-year pause due to COVID, we resumed operations in 2022, heralding a new chapter for Shadow Jumpers. This era marked our commitment to broaden our support to encompass all types of photosensitive conditions affecting families across North America. For this special occasion, Eric, Phillip, and Penny received a well-deserved makeover.
