Erie branch of foundation asks you to join Lupus Loop

VERNON, Pa. — The local branch of the Lupus Foundation of Pa. is gearing up for the Lupus Loop 5K Walk on Sept. 19 at Roche Park, off state Route 19 in Vernon Township.

The major fundraiser for the Erie Branch of the Lupus Foundation of Pa., the event is one of eight such walks being held across the state.

The Erie branch services Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango and Warren counties. Monies raised will help fund research, promote awareness and education, and provide support services for local lupus patients.

More than 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus, and many more have the disease but haven’t been diagnosed. People with lupus may not look sick.

The mysterious disease affects people differently. The immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. There is no one test that confirms lupus. It is often diagnosed after many other illnesses have been ruled out. Sometimes the diagnosis takes years, and often patients are treated as though it is all in their heads.

Some people think lupus is contagious, and because it is an autoimmune disease, some people think lupus sufferers have AIDS, but both of these are false. There is no known cause and no cure for lupus. That’s why research is vital. Your help is needed.

Recruit others

Participate in the Lupus Loop as an individual or become a team captain and recruit friends, family and co-workers to walk with you as a team. You will need five people to quality as a team. You can pay a $20 registration free or collect pledges of $20 or more.

Each participant will receive a long-sleeved Lupus Loop T-shirt and be treated to a casual breakfast, including Green Mountain coffee from the Pampered Palate. Lunch featuring Smith’s hot dogs will be provided.

Participants will also be able to enjoy a Schwan’s ice cream treat after the walk. Froggy 100.3/98.5 will be on hand providing music. Massage therapists from Tranquil Times will give free massages.

Event day registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Preregistration for the loop is appreciated, but not required. Participants can register online at www.lupuspa.org and even build an online fundraising page. The walk begins at 11 a.m., and lunch follows at noon.

For more information, call Janie Lippincott, the Erie Branch patient services coordinator, at (866) 292-1472, or Donna Lawrason at (814) 763-3011.

Participants can also pick up a brochure from one of the sponsors. In Mercer County: Dr. Hassan’s Hermitage and Greenville offices; Sharon Regional Health System; Dr. Iskander’s office and the Diagnostic & Imaging Center on Garden Way.

The Lupus Foundation of Pa. is sponsoring this event and serves as a source of hope for lupus patients and their families. Its four branches work to provide educational and awareness programs and support groups. The Lupus Foundation partners with the Lupus Research Institute National Coalition, the patient voice in cutting-edge lupus research. For more information, visit www.lupuspa.org.