Welcome to the Thrown for a Lupe Fundraising page. 

Join us as we participate in the Lupus Foundation of America's Walk to End Lupus Now® to raise critical funds for the estimated 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States.

Stephanie's Story: 

I was diagnosed with Pre-Lupus when I was 9 years old. The label Pre-Lupus was given as I had had a blood clot as well as the clinical markers for the disease, but none of the staple physical symptoms. In high school, I was officially diagnosed with Lupus as I began to have a "butterfly rash" and joint pain. Since then, my disease has evolved. I battle severe joint pain and fatigue. My disease reached its peak in 2022 when I found myself admitted to the hospital with blood clots and a severe pericardial effusion (liquid forming around the heart.) I was in critical condition, but thankfully I had an amazing and fast acting team of doctors at Rush that saved my life. Since this flare, I have been more on top of my health than ever. I continue to have minor flares but can confidently say I am the healthiest I have been in  7 years. After my experience in 2022, I found a need to become involved in the Lupus community. It is through the Lupus Foundation of America, that I have been able to meet other Lupus warriors who understand the day to day life of the disease, learn about treatments (and even start new ones because of it), and attend seminars that inform about Lupus research. Lupus can be a very lonely disease, but its opportunities such as these that bring an important sense of community. And none of those opportunities would have been possible without fundraisers like the Walk to End Lupus Now event. 

Will you join our team and help us reach our fundraising goal? You’ll be supporting the Foundation's efforts to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. You can also support by making a secure contribution on our walk page. 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. 

Together, we can solve the cruel mystery of lupus. Join our team today and support our efforts! 

 Anyone is welcome to join the team and walk with us. Please wear purple if you would like to participate. September 28, 2024 at  Lincoln Park Rowing Lagoon 2045 Lincoln Park West Chicago, IL 60614