It is absolutely mind blowing that it is already 9 years of "Linda's Legacy". My team and I will walk in honor of my sweet late mama on Saturday, September 23rd.

My mother was the light in this world and my very best friend. She was as tough as nails and never let a thing get her down. I miss her every single day.

After finishing my 50 states journey last year, I struggled to find that connection to her. Shortly after that, at last year's walk in the fall, my mental health was struggling greatly—

I've always kind of kept my emotions and conversations about my mom at an arms length, to keep others comfortable.
So, I walked up to a woman at one of the booths. She worked for a company that didn't even exist yet when my mother was fighting. They're establishing medicines and treatments specifically for Lupus, instead of doctors being forced to work up a cocktail of prescriptions. When I walked up to her, she handed me a candy kiss, told me to save it for later, because you never when you might need a kiss. She asked me if I had Lupus, and I told her that my mom did. The next moment is something I will never forget.

She continued and told me that she wanted me to tell my mother that she is why they're doing what they're doing. That there will be a cure— and I just completely lost it, in the middle of this park, surrounded by thousands of people. The love, the hug, and the way she held me that day was nothing short of the sign I had been looking for. God shows up in so many ways.

This is why we do this. Somebody's mom, sister, friend, wife, will receive a cure for Lupus. It's happening before our eyes.

So to everyone— rather it’s a hand to hold at the walk, a share to spread the word, or a donation— thank you.

Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen.

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I am joining thousands of people across the country for the Walk to End Lupus Now®. I hope that you will join me either by lacing up your sneakers or by donating to my fundraising page.

You can make a difference by donating to 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! A generous contribution of $25 or $55 can make a definite impact. What’s more, if your employer offers a Matching Gift Program to employees, you may be able to double your contribution with just a little bit of paperwork. Trust me, it’s worth the effort! Every single dollar counts.

Did you know?

Lupus is a mysterious and misunderstood autoimmune disease. It strikes without warning, affects each person differently, and has no known causes or cure.

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.

While lupus can strike anyone at any time, 90% of people living with lupus are women. Women of color are at especially high risk.

Lupus is hard to diagnose, but the Lupus Foundation of America is working to make life easier and more comfortable for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States.  Together, we can solve the cruel mystery of lupus. Thank you for your generosity!