More than 2,300 people took steps against lupus at the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter’s (LFANC) 13th Annual Walk to End Lupus Now in Charlotte. To date, the event is the organization’s highest grossing Charlotte Walk, raising more than $120,000 to date to support lupus programs and services.

“This has been our largest walk the event’s 13-year history and we owe it to the amazing spirit and support of everyone in the Charlotte region,” said Christine John-Fuller, President & CEO of the LFANC. “We appreciate our walkers, volunteers, supporters, Central Piedmont Community College and local law enforcement for helping make this Walk a huge success and for being part of our efforts to help solve the cruel mystery of lupus.”

On Sunday, May 4, Central Piedmont Community College served as home to the Walk to End Lupus Now: Charlotte event. Participants walked through the Elizabeth neighborhood to raise awareness about lupus and raise funds for national research and local support services to help the estimated 10,000 people in the Charlotte area who are living with lupus.

Event highlights included fun and entertainment for the whole family, including Opening Ceremonies led be V101.9’s Chirl Girl and Power 98FM’ Vonyetta. Attendees also enjoyed the Tume-e Yummies Kid’s Zone tent and food provided by Coca Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Bottle Cap Group, All American Pub, Brazewell’s, Whiskey Warehouse, Hickory Tavern, and Zoe’s Kitchen.

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, hits out of nowhere, 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 its scope and devastation.

About the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter

The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter is part of the national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. We work with local health professionals and volunteers to provide information and programs to ensure people with lupus and their families get answers and health professionals know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease. The chapter serves an estimated 45,000 living with lupus in North Carolina. For more information about lupus or the LFANC, visit www.lupusnc.org or call (877) 849-8271. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.