Runners, Walkers, Fire Fighters, Police Officers, and lupus patients dont want to miss the 6th Annual Lupus Race for Life 5K Run/Walk & 1 mile Fun Run on Sunday, October 2, 2005 at La Mirada Regional Park, Orange County, California. This event is hosted by local law enforcement and fire fighting agencies. Join us by registering online at www.lupusinternational.com . All proceeds are donated to Lupus International headquartered in Irvine, California.
(PRWEB) September 14, 2005 -- Lupus International founded in 1983, is a primary resource for education and support of Lupus sufferers in Southern California. Lupus International serves eight Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. During our 22 years, we have provided thousands of people with educational and supportive services.
Lupus affects more than 2.5 million people. Lupus (systemic Lupus erythematosus or SLE) is a chronic disease that can cause inflammation, pain, and tissue damage throughout the body. Lupus is an auto-immune disorder whereby the bodys immune system attacks the recipient and manifests itself in a myriad of ways. The cause for this tragic disease is yet unknown, and there is currently no cure. Treatment is limited to symptomatic control, and toxic side effects to medication are quite common. When a person develops serious Lupus, they may have problems with their kidneys, heart, lungs or blood cells. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose and can mimic other diseases.
According to the Center for Disease Control, Lupus is three times more common in black women than in white women. It is also more common in women of Hispanic/Latina, Asian, and American Indian descent. Black and Hispanic/Latina women tend to develop symptoms at an earlier age than other women do. Awareness is a key element in the diagnosis of Lupus. It takes an average 4-5 years to be diagnosed. During this time, Lupus can attack the organs. In many cases, organ failure and loss of life can be prevented through early treatment.
Lupus International focuses on support and education for those who have lupus and their families. Communication is a key to understanding the critical needs of lupus sufferers. People need to be aware that while people with this illness look fine, the ravage of their bodies, the difficulty in daily living, the coping with severe pain are very tough to live with. A cure is desperately needed.
Lupus Internationals primary mission is to eradicate Lupus by supporting Lupus research, alleviating suffering for Lupus patients through patient services, and effecting early detection of undiagnosed cases through awareness promotions.
There is hope. The Lupus Support Center provides encouragement to patients and families with the resources to improve communication and coping skills. To learn more visit us at http://www.lupusinternational.com.
Each year this race has special meaning for many of the committee members in law enforcement and fire service who either have lupus themselves or have loved ones living with this illness. It is their hope that the Lupus Race for Life will increase awareness, education, and research grants so that a cure will be found in this lifetime.
All participants will receive a t-shirt, participant bag and a pancake breakfast. Our course is scenic, and shaded with a slide grade. It is professionally timed — all runners will be assigned chips. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8:00 a.m. There are park restrooms in addition to plenty of Porta-Potty. Parking is free.
Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female runners. Age group medals categories are: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69, and 70+. Also, teams with the most participants, organizations (according to size) with the most participants, and the first law-enforcement officer and the first fire-fighter across the finish line are all eligible for awards.
We hope to see you there to support this worthy cause. Registration can be completed through the mail, over the phone, or online at http://www.lupusinternational.com.
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