Arizona Residents Will Walk to Help Solve the Cruel Mystery of Lupus

America's largest lupus walk program takes place in Chaparral Park in Scottsdale on Saturday, April 27, 2013

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America will host its first Walk To End Lupus Now^TM event in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Chaparral Park (check in at 8 a.m.; Walk starts at 9 a.m.).  The Walk to End Lupus Now events are held in more than 60 cities across the country, making it the largest lupus walk program in the entire country.  The walk events bring together community members -- people with lupus, friends, families, health care providers, celebrities and other stakeholders -- to raise money for lupus research and education programs, increase awareness of the disease, and rally public support for those who feel the brutal impact of lupus.  

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The City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, Go Daddy and Arizona's own Ken Colburn's Data Doctors have joined forces to make the first Lupus Foundation of America Walk To End Lupus Now^TM  event in Scottsdale a great success.  Valley DJ Rankin Shaver with AZ Music Man Entertainment will provide festivities throughout the walk.  Mayor Jim Lane will speak at opening ceremonies and kick-off the walk.  A special memorial wall will be in place to write the names of family and/or friends that are no longer with us because of lupus.   

"I walk because I want to make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from this devastating and mysterious disease," said Monique Padilla who has been living with lupus since the age of 12.

"I have seen first-hand just how unpredictable and cruel this disease can be and my hope is that one day there will be better treatments and a cure for lupus, which impacts the lives of millions of Americans.  I hope people with join me and come out and walk to help put an end to this cruel disease." 

A recent survey found that 72 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34, the age group at greatest risk for the disease, have either not heard about lupus at all or know little or nothing about the disease beyond the name.  Every dollar raised from Scottsdale's Walk to End Lupus Now event, as well as the others like it that take place across the country, supports the Lupus Foundation of America's efforts to solve the mystery of lupus -- one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases -- by increasing public awareness of the disease, funding critically needed research programs, and providing local support programs and services to those who suffer from its brutal impact.

"Lupus is a significant concern in Scottsdale and throughout the state," explains Dave Juliano, Arizona Outreach Development Manager for the Lupus Foundation of America.  "Each year, residents look to us for support and resources.  We need more awareness of lupus and we need more resources for research to continue efforts to find a cure for this terrible disease.  We hope the community will join us in our fight to end lupus."

Registration for the Walk is open online at WalkToEndLupus.org or by calling 877-910-9779.  Participants can also create a personal fundraising page on the Walk website to raise money, recruit new team members and get valuable fundraising tips.

The Lupus Foundation of America has many programs that take place throughout the area.  The Foundation will host its next education program at the end of July.  The event, which will take place in Phoenix, is an opportunity for people living with lupus and their families to learn about the latest developments in lupus research and treatments from some of the nation's leading lupus experts.  More information can be found on the Lupus Foundation of America Arizona office's website at lupusarizona.org.

ABOUT LUPUS
Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood disease in which the immune system is out of balance, causing damage to any organ system in the body. The exact cause of lupus is unknown. While lupus can strike anyone at any time, 90 percent of the people living with lupus are females. Women of color are at an especially high risk. Lupus usually develops between ages 15 and 44. While lupus can be disabling and fatal, the disease can be managed in most cases through aggressive medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

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. Or contact Dave Juliano, Arizona Outreach Development Manager (480) 201-5334.

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America