Thousands to Gather in New York City and Walk to End Lupus

America's largest lupus walk program takes place at South Street Seaport on Saturday, May 3

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Apr 10, 2014, 10:03 ET

NEW YORK, April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America will host its 2014 annual Walk To End Lupus Now^TMevent in New York City on Saturday, May 3 at the South Street Seaport. The largest lupus walk program in the country, Walk to End Lupus Now events are held in more than 60 cities, bringing together community members—lupus patients, friends, families, health care providers and celebrities—to raise money for lupus research and education programs, increase awareness of the disease and rally public support for those who feel its brutal impact.

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.

"Although it is one of the most unpredictable, cruelest and devastating diseases, lupus remains a mystery to so many. Public awareness of the disease is unacceptably low. This and every walk is an opportunity to make our voices heard, to attract attention and funding to lupus education and research," said Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of Lupus Foundation of America. "As New Yorkers come together, they are walking to fight for their families, friends and entire the community of those suffering with lupus."

Every step taken and dollar raised supports the Lupus Foundation of America's efforts to solve the cruel mystery of lupus.

"I could not take my son's medications, I could not endure his chemo treatments, but I could raise money and my voice and I have proudly done so for seven years now," said Astoria resident and walker Fran Tsimoyianis, whose son was diagnosed with lupus a decade ago. "It is very hard to sit back and watch all of this happen to your child. Every year I walk for my son, Alex. I walk for every other child that suffers from lupus. I walk for every heartbroken parent. I walk for myself because I will not just sit back—I can't."

Saks Fifth Avenue and NBC4 are sponsors of Walk to End Lupus Now in New York City. Registration for the walk is open online at WalkToEndLupus.org/NewYork. Participants can also create a personal fundraising page on the walk website to raise money, recruit new team members and get valuable fundraising tips.

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