Vocalist Lori Jenaire Supports #25for25 Campaign for Autoimmune Diseases with ‘As You Are’ Classic Cover

Singer-songwriter Lori Jenaire is supporting the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) #25for25 fundraising campaign with the release of her Top Five Billboard Hot Singles Sales debut “As You Are,” featuring Patrice Rushen.

The song is a remake of the 1978 Pharoah Sanders’ R&B soul classic, which in its original version featured Phyllis Hyman. For every single that’s sold of “As You Are,” 25 cents will be donated to AARDA’s #25for25 campaign.

AARDA is a nonprofit health agency dedicated to bringing a national focus to autoimmunity, the major cause of serious chronic diseases, and promoting collaborations in the areas of education, public awareness, research, and patient services, with the ultimate goal of finding better treatments and a cure for all autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the AARDA’s #25for25 campaign invites individuals and associations worldwide to acknowledge the organization’s success on behalf of people living with autoimmune diseases, and support AARDA’s work by donating to the nonprofit.

Autoimmune diseases, which disproportionately affect women, are illnesses characterized by an overactive immune system, in which the body attacks its own tissues and cells as if they are foreign invaders. According to AARDA, more than 100 autoimmune diseases are now known. These include multiple sclerosis, lupus, psoriasis, myasthenia gravis, Graves’ disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and others. About 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases, more than 75 percent of whom are women.

With the release of “As You Are,” Jenaire hopes to bring more public awareness to an issue that personally affects her while also hoping the song lifts the spirits of those fighting their own autoimmune diseases.

Cover art for Lori Jenaire’s “As You Are.” Credit: PRNewswire

“I am just so empowered by AARDA and the work that they have done and continue to do with regard to autoimmune related diseases,” Jenaire said in a news release. “I’m truly humbled to be able to partake in their #25for25 campaign as we raise awareness and money for the remarkable services they provide.”

Chicago native Jenaire is an artist whose lush nuances of vocal stylings have impressed many in the industry. Her hard work is paying off, and she appears poised for even greater success. A singer and multi-instrumentalist (bass, piano, and guitar), her musical influences are legendary singers, including Sarah Vaughan, Anita Baker, and Angela Bofill.

After several years away from the studio, Jenaire is back and her jazzy, soulful cover of “As You Are” is reminiscent of vintage love and echoes the deeply rich vocal subtleties of the original song.

“‘As You Are’ holds a special significance for me now,” Jenaire said. “Coming face to face with my own recent diagnosis has brought me to terms with so many different things. When I listen to the lyrics of ‘As You Are,’ they resonate with me so deeply. We all are in need of a quiet, safe space that is deep and internal. That is where the healing begins. ‘As You Are’ is that gentle reminder that we can all go there and be accepted as we are.”

Anyone can make a donation to AARDA by purchasing Lori Jenaire’s single “As You Are” at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/as-you-are-feat.-patrice-rushen/id1157194938?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4.