NEW YORK, May 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The South Street Seaport transformed into an ocean of purple as nearly 5,000 walkers came together in New York City to shed light on the cruel mystery of lupus during the Lupus Foundation of America's Walk to End Lupus Now'.
Sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue and NBC 4 New York, the New York City Walk to End Lupus Now coincided with the start of Lupus Awareness Month (May), the annual observance to call attention to the disease that affects more than 1 million people in the United States, yet remains a mystery to so many.
"Year-round the Lupus Foundation of America works to ensure that there is proper funding for lupus research, awareness and education programs. Today, we bring together the community of patients, caregivers and advocates in New York City to show the unwavering support in our fight to end lupus," said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of Lupus Foundation of America.
Organized by the Lupus Foundation of America, Walk to End Lupus Now events are held in more than 60 cities across the country, making it the largest lupus walk program in the entire world. Questcor and Genentech are national sponsors of the walk events, which bring together communities together to raise money for lupus research and education programs and increase awareness of the disease.
"It was truly inspiring to see such wave of support in New York City today," said Rasheda Thomas, a lupus patient and founding member of the New York City Lupus Walk Committee. "It's a great reminder that no one has to go at this alone. Together, we can further raise awareness for this devastating disease."
Every step taken and dollar raised in the Walk to End Lupus Now supports the Lupus Foundation of America's efforts to solve this cruel and mysterious disease.
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, strikes without warning, 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 diseases of similar scope and devastation.
About the Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America
