Dear friends and family,

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for donating and supporting me in this cause the last two years. This year will be the third year in a row for being a part of the Lupus Walk and would love you to join my team!!

This will be my sixth year battling with Lupus. I can happily say that it is currently under control with some down falls. This battle hasn't discouraged me from exploring and experiencing new things even when I am limited. With such great supporters, it has definitely made my bumpy road a little smoother.

Lots of love, Lina Tran.

***Check out my two videos from the last two years!! 

https://youtu.be/l2wiwsCih_Y

https://youtu.be/rbxgLnBdFtk

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"Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the immune system by causing it to classify the body's healthy tissues as foreign (like how our immune system would classify viruses) and then set forth to attack/destroy them. Lupus is not like or related to cancer, HIV/AIDS, and it is not contagious. There are different forms of lupus, not just SLE, but all are distinctly characterized by a rash across the face and nose in a shape similar to butterfly wings. There is also no known cause or cure for lupus but effective treatment and ongoing research is available.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, at least 1.5 million people in the United States have lupus and women of color are primarily affected, although people of all races and genders can develop the disease. It is suspected that millions more are living with a form of lupus worldwide, but because the symptoms of this disease relate to many other diseases and conditions, it is not quickly diagnosed or people tend to ignore their symptoms and attempt to treat themselves. Also, millions of Americans lack access to primary medical care, so a proper diagnosis and information from a medical professional about their condition is unavailable."