What's the greatest nation? DOnation!!! Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!
So I am not a runner and I don't particularly enjoy the act of running. Why am I doing the marathon then? Well, there are a couple of reasons. Training for the Chicago Marathon is a great way to get back into shape and I will have the company of a few good friends (if I can keep up with them.) Most importantly, I am running for Illinois Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America. Please see below and to the left for more information on this organization.
Until just a few short months ago I did not really know anything about lupus... Not so good considering 1.5 million Americans have lupus, including someone special I know.. well a very special someone ^_^. I will be running 26.2 miles mainly for this reason. Please read her message she has sent out below.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Please help however you can.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
P.S. ------ I took this idea from a roommate, but if you donate $50 or more I will bake you my banana nut truffle cookies.. sounds delicious, no?
***All Chicago People*** I will be giving a gift of a 1 gallon gatorade jug while supplies last for a donation of $50 or more!!!!
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From Alisa:
For those of you who don't know what lupus is, it's a disease where the
immune system attacks the good cells in your body. Normally our immune
system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from
foreign substances, like bacteria and viruses. With lupus, the immune system
cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and the body's
healthy tissues. The immune system then creates autoantibodies ("auto"
means "self") to attack and destroy the healthy tissue.
I guess it was something that I've always had, but was not triggered until
the summer of 2002, when I visitied Thailand. I only knew that there was a
problem because my hair started to fall out in patches in different sections
of my scalp and I didn't know why. I went to the doctor and they did a
biopsy on my skin and confirmed that I had discoid lupus. To this day,
they are still unsure of how I developed it. They said it runs in the
family, and females are at a higher risk, but no one in my family (that I
know of) has it. So what does that mean for me?
Since being diagnosed in 2003, I have been to numerous doctors. One
doctor injected my scalp with low doses of steroids to hopes to try to get
my hair to grow back again. Others took more biopsies to check to see if I
have any hair folicles left for regrowth. Unfortunately, my scalp did not
have any more fociles, which meant that my hair loss is permanent. From
then, doctors have prescribed me with different ointments and foams to put
on my scalp daily to control the lupus from spreading. I take medication
daily to help make sure that my condition does not worsen. Every 6 moths, I
have to go to the hospital to get my blood checked out to make sure that my
condition has not worsened. Lupus comes in 2 forms, SLE and DLE. Luckily for
me, I was diagnosed with DLE (discoid lupus), which only effects my skin.
For me, it's hair loss, which I can cover up since I have a lot of hair.
Others may have rashes and redness on their face, arms, legs, etc. Since I
have DLE, doctors have to closely monitor everything my blood to make that
it doesn't turn into systematic lupus, SLE, (when the immune system will
start attacking body organs- kidneys, lungs, etc.). Doctors say that usually
5-10% of patients that have discoid lupus develop will develop systematic
lupus later on.
Sunlight exposure triggers lupus and can cause my condition to get worsen.
It truly sucks because I love being outside so much and I can no longer
enjoy sunbathing on the beach or outdoor activities without making sure that
my body is covered up. Even during the summer, I have to make sure that I
put on a lot of sunblock, wear a hat and sunglasses before even thinking
about spending a day outside. I get sick very easily and when I don't get
enough rest, I become tired and fatigued more than a normal person would. I
live it with everyday and hope that one that they will be able to develop a
cure for this disease.
With all that being said, eventhough an estimated 1.5 million people have
the disease, doctors are still researching for a cure. Since the 70's, there
has not been a drug approved specifically for the treatment of lupus. It's
been* 40 years!* I know with the advancement of technology, doctors are
trying to find a cure, but at the same time, they also need funds to be able
to test and develop drugs to treat this disease.
Thanks for taking your time to read this email and I hope that you will
consider making a small donation to his page (every little bit helps):