While still in high school, Roxanne formed a network called “Long distance love,” to bring together those who face health crises so they could discuss common problems, recent issues and new developments. Battling Lupis, a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease, Roxanne received daily dialysis treatments before receiving a kidney from her sister. Though still sick, she focused her attention on helping others. After graduating from Rutgers, she changed the name of the organization to “Friends’ Help Connection.” Thousands of people have benefitted from her efforts to match people who have shared specific illnesses.

Update 9/5/2023 – “Roxanne Black is the founder and executive director of Friends’ Health Connection, an internationally recognized organization that connects people with similar illnesses or conditions. Friends’ Health Connection also offers events across the country and a wellness lecture series featuring high-profile speakers such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Oliver Sacks, Elizabeth Edwards, and many others. Roxanne has received several service awards including recognition as one of former President Bush’s 1000 Points of Light, and her story has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and USA Today.”