Hollywood Supports Walk to End Lupus Now in Los Angeles

More than $300,000 raised to support research, education and support services for people affected by lupus

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Sep 22, 2014, 11:20 ET

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hollywood stars of television turned out to shed light on the cruel mystery that is lupus and raise critically needed funds for research and education programs during the Lupus Foundation of America's (LFA) Walk to End Lupus Now™, in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Walk to End Lupus Now Grand Marshal, multi-talented entertainer and television personality, Nick Cannon rallied a crowd of more than 5,000 participants at Exposition Park.

Cannon was joined by Walk Ambassador Ian Harding of ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars and special guest Margaret Avery of BET's Being Mary Jane. Fellow Being Mary Jane cast members LaTarsha Rose and BJ Britt also came out to show their support for the millions of families affected by this unpredictable and debilitating disease.

"I am thrilled to participate in Walk to End Lupus Now and have the opportunity to join thousands of individuals with lupus, and their families and friends in the fight against lupus. We can't do it alone. Together, we can raise awareness of lupus and its impact on our communities and call attention to the importance of lupus research," says Nick Cannon.

NBC4 Southern California weekend co-Anchor, Kathy Vara and "Today in LA" co-anchor Whit Johnson served as emcees for the event, which was overflowing with people wearing purple, the signature color for lupus, and t-shirts filled with names of family and loved ones affected by lupus.

Los Angeles walk participants raised more than $300,000 in donations, which is expected to increase in total as more donations are accepted online through the end of the year. Walk to End Lupus Nowwas also made possible with the generous support of its sponsors including NBC4 Southern California, Genentech, Starbucks, and Mallinckrodt pharmaceuticals. To make a donation, or learn more, visit www.walktoendlupus.org/losangeles.

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 cause and 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 diseases of similar scope and devastation.

About the Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America