Raquel Sa, Special to The Voice
Patients, families, friends and the community will have the chance to come together and raise money and awareness at the 15th annual Walk for Lupus at Kingston Park on July 9.
It is estimated that one in 1,000 Canadians are affected by lupus.
With lupus, the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells causing tissue damage, organ failure, and in some cases, death.
The cause for lupus has not yet been discovered and until it is found there will be no cure.
“I don’t look sick, but I am sick,” is the new slogan for Lupus Ontario.
Symptoms can vary drastically from person to person and can range from mild to life-threatening. The disease can mimic other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose.
Early detection, diagnosis and treatment help slow the debilitating effects of lupus and minimize the symptoms.
“This is not a generic disease. People living with lupus can end up losing their jobs and families due to no longer being able to function properly. The majority of patients end up on chemotherapy,” said Juanita Butler, fundraiser and events coordinator for Lupus Ontario.
Last year, 20 people joined the Walk for Lupus in Leamington and six donations were made.
“Lupus is an under-diagnosed disease that so few have heard of. This isn’t a walk for cancer, where a large crowd is expected, so we need more support,” said Butler.
Fifty to 100 people are expected to be at this year’s Walk for Lupus.
Improving awareness will save lives. Join a walk and collect pledges, support or sponsor a walker, volunteer at an event, or become a co-ordinator and plan your own walk to help conquer lupus.
The Walk for Lupus begins at 10 a.m. at the park.
To donate online, visit www.walkforlupusontario.org
The next Chatham-Kent Lupus Ontario support group meeting will be held on June 8 at Residence on the Thames located on 850 Grand Avenue W., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
