2022 Walk to End Lupus Now - Part of Team Butterfly Effect

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. My immune system is overactive. This causes inflammation and damage throughout my body. It’s a chronic unpredictable illness. I will have it for the rest of my life. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) In 2019 and again in 2020 after seeking a second opinion at Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD). SLE has affected my kidneys, vascular system, mental health, oral health, skin, joints, muscles, and connective tissue. I take an anti-malarial drug, an anti-rejection drug (often used after organ transplants), and weekly biologic injections to keep my lupus from causing further damage to my body. The treatments help and come with a list of accompanying symptoms and side effects.

SLE is the most common type of lupus. SLE is different from other forms of lupus in that it causes inflammation of multiple organs or organ systems in the body. While a person’s genetics may increase their chances of having lupus, it typically takes an environmental trigger. Common lupus triggers typically include emotional trauma/stress, surgery, toxins/pollutants, substance use, illness/injury, and pregnancy/giving birth. Although anyone can develop Lupus, women 15-24, people of color, and those with a family member with lupus/autoimmune disease are at higher risk. It affects each person differently. There is currently no cure.

This is my first year volunteering for the Lupus Foundation of America. It is my second year walking and sharing the duties of Co-Team Captain for team Butterfly Effect. I NEED YOUR SUPPORT! This year's walk will occur Saturday, September 23rd, at the Canton Waterfront. Money raised supports groundbreaking research and will provide resources to patients and families impacted by Lupus.

The Lupus Foundation of America is a charitable organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Our Federal ID # is 43-1131436. Your gift may be 100% deductible from your taxable income if you itemize your deductions.