The Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter (LFA) and the Lubbock Support Group will host a fundraising kickoff and balloon release to celebrate Lupus Awareness Month, on May 14 at Teddy Jacks Restaurant from 4 p.m. – 5p.m.
“Thank you to our new partners, Teddy Jacks, we hope that this event will bring the attention needed, we’ve never used the awareness event as a fundraiser before, but with the success of our walk in 2015, we hope this will create some momentum going into the 2016 event in September,” Kassandra Racu, event organizer and volunteer.
Members of the community are invited to join the event where purple balloons will be released in honor of Lupus Awareness Month. Throughout the month of May, the LFA hosts various awareness and educational events throughout the state in hopes that those who are affected by lupus, will find the support they need by knowing that the chapter provides the resources needed by patients and their families.
“What we want to create is an environment of support and understanding for everyone affected by this cruel disease while raising awareness and funds, to create more support groups, and ultimately to find a cure! No one should feel that they are battling this disease alone, and for the past 7 years, we have helped hundreds of individuals realize that,” said Kassandra Racu, continued.
The Fundraising Kickoff event will kick off the fundraising season for the Walk to End Lupus Now event taking place in September at the Buddy Holly Recreation Center and will host newly diagnosed individuals who will share personal testimonies and event organizers will provide literature on what lupus is and how those interested can get involved with the LFA’s activities in Lubbock. Purple wristbands with LFA Chapter information will also be distributed in exchange for a small donation and a percentage from sales on that day will be donated back to the LFA to benefit the Lubbock Walk to End Lupus Now fundraising event.
“The Walk to End Lupus Now is part of our mission, an opportunity for people with lupus and their loved ones to come together with a unified voice to raise awareness,” Tessie Holloway, President and CEO of the LFA added.
About Lupus
Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning, and has no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive and can be fatal, yet research on lupus remains underfunded relative to disease of similar scope and devastation.
About the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter
The Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter is devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, educations, support and advocacy. Learn more about lupus and the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter by visiting lupuslonestar.org
(News release from the Lupus Foundation of America, Lone Star Chapter (LFA) and the Lubbock Support Group)