Walking to Cure Lupus
by Shamar Amirah Bibbins

The Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) held their second annual Walk With Us To Cure Lupus on Saturday, November 15th in Santa Monica. The clear blue sky, Pacific breeze and gorgeous Malibu mountains were provided a perfect setting for the two-mile walk. The 100 plus walkers brought good vibes and high energy to Crescent Bay Park. But as I walked with men and women of all ages and races, I couldn’t help but wonder about the hardships and struggles affecting many of those jubilant faces.

Many people have never heard of Lupus, but the autoimmune disorder affects nearly 5 million people worldwide, with more than 16,000 estimated new cases each year in the United States. More than 90 percent of people with Lupus are women, with diagnosis occurring between the ages of 15 and 45. In the United States, Lupus is most common among African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans.

But what exactly is Lupus? To protect against viruses and bacteria, a healthy immune system makes proteins called antibodies. But with lupus, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues, so it makes antibodies directed against itself. These antibodies cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.

The symptoms for Lupus vary, but inflammation is considered its primary feature. It is common for the disease to be in remission for several years before a “flare-up” occurs, where patients experience increased fatigue, pain, a rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, or dizziness. Mild cases can generally be managed with a low dosage steroid. However, when lupus is active, symptoms can be severe and sometimes fatal. It is common for more serious complications to involve inflammation of the kidneys and heart, degradation of  the nervous system, or an increase in blood pressure of the lungs.

Despite the fact that there is no cure for the disease, people with Lupus can maintain a high quality of life overall. Developing strategies to prevent flares and maintaining good communication with your doctor are extremely important.

That’s where the ALR, who sponsored Walk With Us To Cure Lupus, comes in. They have given more money to Lupus research and education than any other non-governmental agency.

The most crucial element in this battle is that of understanding. We need to continue to increase awareness throughout society so that those that suffer from Lupus do not end up feeling isolated. As one supporter stated plainly, “Until there’s a cure, we have to do all we can to help save lives.”

For more information on Lupus or to make a donation or to set up a Lupus Walk in your city, visit www.lupus.org or www.walk.lupusresearch.org.

health, lupus, medical research