Once upon a time, in a world filled with laughter and boundless energy, there lived a young boy named Armaan. From a very young age, Armaan's love for the great outdoors was evident. He would spend hours running, jumping, and exploring, fueled by his dreams of one day joining the track team in high school.

But life had its own plan for Armaan.  Last year, at the tender age of 12, he received news that would forever change his path. Armaan was diagnosed with Lupus, a challenging autoimmune disease. Suddenly, his dreams of running on the track team seemed distant, overshadowed by the uncertainties that lay ahead.

In people with lupus, UV exposure can trigger not only worsening of skin lupus and other types of photosensitivity, but also activation and worsening of systemic symptoms—including joint pain and kidney disease. For people with lupus, even minimal amounts of exposure to UV light can be disastrous.

As a family, we rallied around Armaan, determined to support him every step of the way.  We discovered new ways to enjoy the outdoors while taking care of his health.  We added lights to our bikes together and started riding at night, feeling the wind in our hair as we explored nature's beauty.  Under the glow of street lights, we throw the football around, sharing moments of joy and laughter under the open sky.  And when the sun begins to set, casting its gentle glow we play outside, basking in the coolness of the evening when the UV rays are low.

To protect Armaan during the day, he wears special UV-protectant clothing, a shield against the sun's harmful rays that can trigger flares.  But despite his precautions, there are moments when Lupus unleashes its fury, causing pain and discomfort that no child should ever endure.

Yet, through it all, Armaan remains resilient, displaying a remarkable attitude that fills our hearts with pride.  He faces each flare with unwavering strength, inspiring us all to keep pushing forward.  His spirit shines bright, illuminating our path as we navigate the challenges of Lupus together.

Today, we invite you to join us on this journey of love, dreams, and resilience.  Armaan has taken it upon himself to participate in the Walk To End Lupus Now, a step towards finding a cure for this relentless disease.  His older brother Sean is our Team Captain.  By supporting Team Armaan with your generous donations, you are not only helping us achieve his goal but also contributing to the fight against Lupus.

Your support will fund vital research, paving the way for breakthroughs and advancements that will transform the lives of those living with Lupus.  With each dollar raised, we edge closer to a future where Lupus no longer holds power over our children's dreams.

Together, let's make a difference.  Let's rewrite Armaan's story, infusing it with hope, strength, and endless possibilities.  A generous contribution of $25 or $55 can make a definite impact.  Your contribution, no matter how small, will have a profound impact on the lives of those affected by Lupus.  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. 

I would be honored if you could support Team Armaan through a donation.  If you donate $200 or more, you will be an honorary member of our team and will receive a team t-shirt!  Regardless of the amount, I truly appreciate any support you can offer, and I'll make sure to acknowledge your generosity.

Thank you for joining us on this extraordinary journey.  Your love, encouragement, and support are the pillars that lift us higher, propelling us towards a brighter tomorrow.

With boundless gratitude and hope,

KS

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.

In children, lupus most commonly affects the skin, joints, and major internal organs - like the kidneys, liver, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus tends to be more aggressive and severe in children than in adults. People diagnosed in childhood also are more likely to have higher rates of organ damage than people diagnosed as adults.

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.  I think my son was one of the lucky ones who was diagnosed within 90 days from the first onset of symptoms. Together, we can solve the cruel mystery of lupus. Thank you for your generosity!