Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Time: 8:30 am (check-in at 7:00 am)
Location: Jungle Island – 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, FL 33132
Registration: www.walkforlupusnowflorida.com
Almost 1,000 South Floridians are talking a walk on the wild side in the annual Miami Walk for Lupus Now event to celebrate the first new treatment option for lupus patients in 52 years, Benlysta, which was approved this year. The Walk kicks off at a unique venue, Jungle Island, on Saturday, September 24, 2011, and gives walkers the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a cure while enjoying all the zoo has to offer including an interactive walk alongside wildlife and the beautiful bay view.
“Many people are still unaware of the magnitude of this disease and how devastating it can be to both the individual and their family,” stated Amy Kelly-Yalden, Chief Executive Officer for the Southeast Chapter. “Walk For Lupus Now is an opportunity to unite the lupus community, offer hope and raise funds to help those living with lupus while we support important research to find a cure, and to elevate the profile of this life-altering and prevalent disease.”
With hopes of topping last year’s goal of $25,000, walk proceeds will also support the Lupus Foundation of America Southeast Florida Chapter’s many free services for the over 100,000 people in Florida living with lupus. These services include educational programs, support groups, information and personalized help in English, Spanish and Creole.
Lupus is one of the nation’s least recognized major diseases and there is no cure. It is a chronic and potentially fatal autoimmune disorder that affects more than 1.5 million Americans. In lupus, the body’s immune system forms antibodies that can attack virtually any healthy organ or tissue, from the kidneys to the brain, heart, lungs, skin, joints and blood. Ninety percent of the people with lupus are women and it is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans and Asians.
To get involved and make difference you can start a team or to simply make a donation for Miami Walk for Lupus Now. Please visit www.walkforlupusnowflorida.com for more information.
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Time: 8:30 am (check-in at 7:00 am)
Location: Jungle Island – 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, FL 33132
Registration: www.walkforlupusnowflorida.com