Press release
From the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter:
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – May 28, 2013 – The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC) held the Second Annual Walk to End Lupus Now in Asheville on May 18. To date, the event has raised more than $20,000, breaking last year’s record of $13,000.
“The spirit and support of those in the Asheville area continue to overwhelm and surprise us each year,” said Christine John-Fuller, President & CEO of the LFANC. “On behalf of our Chapter, I want to thank all the walkers, volunteers, supporters, the City of Asheville and local law enforcement for helping make this event a huge success. Together we are working to help solve the cruel mystery of lupus.”
Nearly 300 walkers and volunteers gathered at Pack Square Park. Participants walked to raise awareness about lupus and raise funds for national research and local support services to help the estimated 3,500 people in Western NC who are living with lupus.
Event highlights included Keith Howell with Howell’s Sound Productions as Emcee; Lupus Thriver Story by Denise Warren; a special performance by singer Mikayla Allen; and a Finish Line Celebration.
About the Walk
The Walk to End Lupus NowTM Asheville event is formally known as Walk for Lupus Now®. This event is the signature event of the Lupus Foundation of America, and occurs in cities across the nation to increase lupus awareness and to raise critically needed funds for local support services and vital research for better treatments and ultimately a cure. It includes a half day of fun, food, and friendship with activities for the whole family to enjoy, all to celebrate our participants’ hard work in fundraising!About Lupus:
Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, hits out of nowhere, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive, and can be fatal, yet research on lupus remains underfunded relative to its scope and devastation. An estimated 45,000 North Carolina residents and 1.5 million Americans are estimated to have a form of lupus.About the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter
The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter is part of the national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. We work with local health professionals and volunteers to provide information and programs to ensure people with lupus and their families get answers and health professionals know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease. The chapter now serves an estimated 45,000 living with lupus in North Carolina. For more information about lupus or the LFANC, visit www.lupusnc.org or call (877) 849-8271. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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