News Summary
The recent ‘Walk to End Lupus Now’ event in Baltimore attracted many participants, successfully raising over $65,000 for lupus research and education. Participants dressed in purple marched at Canton Waterfront Park to spread awareness about the life-threatening autoimmune disease affecting millions. The event aimed not just to fundraise, but to unite families and individuals impacted by lupus. Donations are still being accepted until October 20th, alongside upcoming events in Washington, D.C. and Richmond.
Baltimore’s Walk to End Lupus Raises $65,000 for Research and Awareness
A significant event titled “Walk to End Lupus Now” took place over the weekend at Canton Waterfront Park in Baltimore, gathering a large group of participants dressed in purple to raise awareness about lupus. The event successfully surpassed its fundraising goals, raising over $65,000 for lupus research and education.
The walk not only served as a platform to raise money but also brought together individuals and families affected by lupus. One family participated to honor their daughter, Kiva, who tragically lost her battle with the disease. Kiva suffered from severe organ complications that necessitated dialysis, which underscores the life-threatening nature of lupus for many patients.
Attendees were motivated not only by their personal experiences but also by the impact of lupus on those around them. Donations for lupus research will continue to be accepted by the Lupus Foundation’s DMV chapter until October 20th. Upcoming events include additional walks planned in Washington, D.C. on September 27th and in Richmond on October 11th.
Understanding Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease affecting more than 1.5 million Americans, leading to severe pain and inflammation as it attacks healthy organs and tissues. The symptoms of lupus can vary widely among patients, making diagnosis challenging. Many individuals report that it can take an average of six years to receive a proper diagnosis.
About 90% of lupus patients are women, and several factors, including hormonal changes, environmental influences, and genetics, can trigger the disease. The unpredictability of living with lupus is particularly challenging, as noted by a patient who experiences severe pain and mobility issues.
Personal Stories and Community Support
The emotional weight of lupus was poignantly illustrated by personal accounts from participants. Many shared stories of misdiagnoses and severe symptoms that deeply impact everyday life. One patient’s journey highlighted the financial burden of treatment, with certain lupus medication costs reaching $9,000 monthly, often requiring the assistance of insurance for coverage.
The community’s support and advocacy are vital in addressing the challenges faced by those with lupus. Individuals believe that greater awareness, education, and funding are essential in the fight against this disease. The Walk to End Lupus Now aims to generate not only financial contributions for research but also foster understanding and solidarity among those affected.
As the event in Baltimore showcased, the fight against lupus is not just about raising money; it is about creating a community of advocates and providing hope for better treatments and understanding of this illness. The funds raised will help support crucial research and support those grappling with the impact of this illness in their daily lives.
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Additional Resources
- WMAR2 News: Baltimore’s Walk to End Lupus Raises $65,000
- Wikipedia: Lupus
- WMAR2 News: Walk to End Lupus This Weekend
- Google Search: Lupus awareness
- WMAR2 News: My Reason Why: One Woman’s Fight Against Lupus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lupus
- WMAR2 News: Join the Walk to End Lupus
- Google News: Lupus research
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
