1.5 million Americans, and millions more worldwide,
suffer from Lupus. Here's how YOU can help!
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. In honor of my beautiful aunt who recently passed away after a long and courageous battle with Lupus, I am walking in the 15th Annual Metro Walk for Lupus on Saturday, September 26th at Metro Park.
Lupus affects adult women 10 times more frequently than men and is more prevalent than Sickle Cell Anemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and Cystic Fibrosis combined, yet it is the least known of all major diseases. A chronic autoimmune disease that is hard to diagnose, Lupus can be difficult to manage and if not treated can become life threatening. Thousands of Americans die each year due to Lupus related complications.
In simple terms, Lupus develops when the body becomes "allergic to itself" which causes inflammation of various parts of the body especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. In many cases it is also a silent and invisible disease. While the person suffering from Lupus looks good on the outside, they are often struggling with fatigue, pain and other symptoms internally.
As of today, there is no cure for Lupus, but a lot of encouraging research is currently being tested in clinical trials, which will hopefully bring us closer to a cure. For instance, promising results of a landmark clinical trial of Benlysta™ (belimumab) for people with systemic lupus were just released last month. The results show signs that the first new treatment for lupus in 50 years will soon be available. Supporting organizations such as the Lupus Alliance will help in furthering additional discoveries, increasing awareness and improving the quality of life (through new treatment methods) for those affected by Lupus.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
If you would like to walk with me on the 26th, I'd love to see you there. Please join our team and come out to make a difference. Those raising $75 or more will also receive a t-shirt at the walk.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate or walk too!
Best,
Shannon