We would like to dedicate this fundraising event to our sister(sister-in-law), Terry Tran.  Terry passed away on 12/25/2008 at the age of 34 from complications of Lupus.  Her death was a shock to us because it was so sudden and tragic.

Doctors suspected that Terry lived with Lupus for many years.   They did not diagnose Lupus until 10 days after being admitted to the ICU.  We hope this walk will create awareness to this horrible disease which has taken our Terry before her time.   Terry would still be alive now and telling her silly jokes if Lupus was diagnosed early.  

By fundraising for Terry, we hope to heal our broken hearts and hope our loss can help save lives.   Please join us in our fight against Lupus.  Let's prevent  our sister, daughter, friend, and wife from suffering and dying from Lupus. 

INFO about Lupus:

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. The immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders(antigens) and its own healthy cells and tissues. It then makes antibodies that attack and destroy its own tissues and cell, i.e. against "self". These antibodies, called "auto-antibodies" cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

No one knows what causes lupus. Scientists think that people are born with the genes to develop lupus and that something brings on or "triggers" the disease and symptoms. However, a combination of genetics (heredity), environment, and hormones is involved.

Detecting if someone has Lupus is very difficult.  Furthermore, there has not been a new drug to help patients who is living with  Lupus for over 50 years

Anh & Lou Bianco