There are plenty of events, holidays, and observances that took place during the month of October. However, many of these are overlooked. One observance that tends to be little-known is the health observance of the disease, lupus.
What is lupus? The Lupus Foundation of America defines the disease as “a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body).” Lupus autoantibodies attack healthy antibodies in the immune system and cause pain, swelling, and damage to body parts. Side effects from Lupus range from minimal to life threatening. Lupus affects more than 5 million people through the world, and there are more than 16,000 new reports of the disease annually. Because the disease is chronic, sufferers cope through its side effects daily.
As of now, there is no cure for lupus. However, sponsored events take place across the country in the hope that someday soon, a cure can be found. On October 28th, the Lupus Foundation of American hosted its 21st Annual Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter Lupus Loop at Memorial Hall. The event featured a 5K run and 2.5K walk around the city. The donations and proceeds of the event benefit lupus research. Three days before the event, more than 3,800 participants were signed up to walk or run, and over 300,000 dollars had been raised for the cause. Supporters as well as lupus patients were both present for a morning walk for the cause.
Through research and devotees to the cause, hopefully in the near future there will be an end to the suffering caused by lupus.