Nearly 200 participate in walk for Lupus research

Nearly 200 participants braved foggy, wet weather Saturday to take part in the first walk-a-thon for Lupus research.

Sponsored by Lupus Foundation of Michigan, Black Students Pre-Med Association, Sister 2 Sister, and member of the Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs Association, participants could participate in either a one- or three-mile course.

"Lupus is a disease that affect women of color more than others," said Joyce Mitchell, Medical School assistant dean. Joyce said she attended the event to show her support for Lupus sufferers and inform walkers about the disease.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects various parts of the body such as the skin, blood, joints and the kidneys. Some symptoms of Lupus include breaking out of the skin, low blood count and fatigue.

Joyce said Lupus imitates other illnesses and is often misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis or Leukemia.

Although there is no cure for Lupus, treatments can help victims to alleviate the symptoms.

LSA junior Neftara Clark, who helped organize Saturday's walk, was diagnosed with the disease in April 1998.

"Through this walk-a-thon, we hope to raise money for research, increased awareness of Lupus, and start a support group on campus for students with the disease," Clark said.

Clark said event organizers hope to use some of the proceeds toward future Lupus walk-a-thons. Organizer's wanted to raise between $7,500 and $12,000 this weekend.

Lisa McRipely, who also organized the walk, said between 500,000 and 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with Lupus. "It's amazing that there is currently no support group on U of M's campus," McRipley said.

In addition to the sponsors of the walk-a-thon, other student groups also walked to show support for Lupus research. The Eastern Michigan University basketball team participated along with members of the campus chapter of Circle K International.

Circle K member Kara Guminski, an LSA sophomore, said, "I know people with Lupus and it is a heart-wreathing disease to watch people suffer from it."

Many walk participants said they know victims of Lupus, including members of several Lupus foundations. Executive Director of the Lupus Foundation said he was eager to show his support.

There is a support group for victims of Lupus held every the fourth Monday of every month at the United Methodist Church located on State and Huron streets.

For more information about the meeting contact the church at 1-800-705-6677. For information about Lupus contact Clark at 827-1942.

In addition the walk itself, the event included breakfast and lunch, as well as a free T-shirt for all participants. At the conclusion of the event, prizes were awarded to those walkers who raised at least $250 in pledges.

10-11-99