I met my wife in college. We were just kids doing stupid kid stuff, except Lara always had it tougher than most of us. Despite the fact that we were within a mile of one of the most advanced medical research facilities in the world, nobody could figure out why she had so much daily pain and so many different symptoms. To be honest, a lot of docs just wrote it off.

Fast forward SEVEN YEARS and she finally got a definitive diagnoses for Lupus. Hooray, except the only thing they could do was give her steroids. And while years on the juice has given her the opportunity to claim the all-time MLB home run record (sorry Barry), the other side effects are pretty terrible.

Even today, her primary defense against her own immune system is a drug that literally turns off all immune response. That makes for a pretty scary life, especially in a world just finishing with COVID-19 and likely to see more of the same.

Thanks to a ton of research and folks like the LFA, just in the last few years new treatments have started to come on the scene. They ain't perfect, but drugs like Saphnelo and Benlysta are helping. Stem cell treatments are showing encouraging benefits. More companies and researchers are trying to better understand how T- and B-Cells really work.

This year the Nolan clan (2 of 4 with the condition) is trying to help raise dollars and awareness by joining the Lupus Foundation's "Make your mark" virtual challenge --- we'll each run/walk/bike/etc. six miles over six days starting June 23. A marathon it isn't, but it's something we *ALL* can do, together.

If you're able and so inclined, I be super-appreciative of a donation. And thank you for reading this far --- there are a million causes, all of them good. This one is just very very personal.

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6 miles in 6 days to Help End Lupus!

Join me and support the mission of the Lupus Foundation of America! My goal is to complete 6 miles in 6 days and raise critical funds for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States. Your donation will help me reach my personal fundraising goal and support the Foundation's efforts to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus!

Did you know?

• Lupus is a complex disease that is hard to define. It strikes without warning, affects each person differently, and has no known causes or cure.
• While lupus mainly affects women between the ages of 15-44, men and children are not spared.
• Lupus symptoms can be severe and highly unpredictable and can damage any organ or tissue, from the skin or joints to the heart or kidneys.
• Only three drugs have been developed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration specifically to treat lupus.

Let's end this cycle now! By making a donation today you are joining the fight against lupus!