Walk for Lupus

this morning, i'm off to the annual Lupus Walk and Run in my hometown. last year was my first year participating. my friend, who also happens to be the mom of a good friend, has lupus. i love to help support the cause and bring awareness to it. so, today we will walk, and some will run. i look forward to doing this, since it gives me the opportunity to spend time with my friends. that is always a beautiful thing.

lupus is an autoimmune disorder. the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. the immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself. these antibodies -- called "auto-antibodies" (auto means 'self') -- cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.

for most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. for others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems.The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) estimates between 1.5 - 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. more than 90 percent of people with lupus are women. symptoms and diagnosis occur most often when women are in their child-bearing years, between the ages of 15 and 45.

while there is still research and studies being done, and a cure is yet to be discovered, i will walk today in support of my friend.

hope you have a great day!

xo