The Lumati Foundation: Expanding Access to Wellness and Education
Updated: 5 days ago
The Lumati Foundation brings together two commitments: helping more people access wellness resources and supporting educational opportunities for the next generation of practitioners.
Created by Lumati founder and CEO David Perez, the Foundation builds on his longstanding commitment to community service. Its mission centers on reducing financial barriers, supporting education, and encouraging informed conversations about health and wellness.
Honoring Michelle Polaski
The inspiration behind the Foundation is deeply personal.
Decades ago, David was involved in a car accident that claimed the life of his passenger, Michelle Polaski. Michelle aspired to become a doctor and dedicate her life to helping others. Her loss profoundly affected her family and David, shaping his commitment to service.
David’s humanitarian work has included disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, Superstorm Sandy, and Hurricane Irma. The Lumati Foundation carries that commitment forward while honoring Michelle’s memory and her desire to help others.
The Foundation’s Mission
The Foundation’s planned work focuses on access and education, with two primary areas of support.
Expanding Access to Wellness Resources
The Foundation aims to help reduce financial barriers for individuals seeking wellness services and educational resources. Its intended priorities include teachers, military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and nurses, recognizing their contributions to their communities.
Support will depend on available funding, program eligibility, and the services offered. Any clinical care must be evaluated and provided by appropriately licensed professionals.
Supporting Educational Opportunities for Young Women
In Michelle’s memory, the Foundation also plans to support young women pursuing education in naturopathic and integrative health fields.
Scholarship opportunities, participating institutions, eligibility requirements, and application details will be shared as programs are established. Educational support does not imply that every practice taught within a program has established clinical benefits. Professional qualifications and licensing requirements vary by discipline and jurisdiction.
Leadership and Governance
Michelle W. Kasteler will serve as Executive Director, working alongside David Perez to guide the Foundation’s development.
Together with its Board of Directors, the leadership team will help establish program priorities and oversee the Foundation’s work. Information about board membership and initiatives will be shared through the Foundation’s official communications.
The Foundation’s Launch
The Lumati Foundation launched on December 13, 2024, at a private gathering in Las Vegas during A4M LongevityFest.
The event brought together members of the wellness community to learn about the Foundation’s mission and planned initiatives. Participants included Mark Hyman, George Shapiro, Gary Brecka, Dave Asprey, and Ben Greenfield.
Looking Ahead
The Foundation’s work begins with a practical goal: helping more people access resources and educational opportunities that may otherwise be beyond their reach.
By supporting community members and investing in education, David and the Lumati team hope to carry Michelle Polaski’s commitment to helping others into the Foundation’s work.
For more information about the Lumati Foundation or to get involved, please contact Michelle Kasteler at +1 (801) 420-8837 or email: Michellek@lumati.org
