Walking together to conquer lupus

Caledon participated in the annual Walk a Block for Lupus event and raised funds for the worthy cause.

All across Canada, Lupus Canada and its member organizations, held the 6th annual Walk a Block for Lupus event Oct. 20 and 21, to raise awareness and funds for the common but little known disease.

The totals are not confirmed yet but the Bolton walk made roughly $4,000 and the Caledon walk generated an estimated $31,000. Both were very successful public awareness and fund-raising events, according to organizers.

Walk a Block began six years ago as a small family walk and has become Lupus Canada's most important public awareness and fund-raising event. So far, Lupus Canada has achieved its goal of raising $300,000 and as the funds continue to roll in, they hope to surpass their goal.

Since its inception six years ago, Walk a Block for Lupus has been held in October coinciding with Lupus Awareness Month in Canada. Next year, this event will take place in May to celebrate May 10 as World Lupus Day. Although the date has changed for 2008, Lupus Canada and its member organizations, hope to see participants and their enthusiasm next year in May!

Lupus is an under-recognized, chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells causing tissue damage, organ failure and sometimes death. Lupus can strike any tissue or organ in the body, including skin, muscles, joints, blood and blood vessels, lungs, heart, kidneys and the brain. The symptoms of lupus vary drastically from person to person and can mimic other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. If left untreated, lupus can be fatal.

Lupus Canada works to promote research to find causes and a cure for lupus; promote awareness and education for the public and health care professionals; advocate on behalf of the lupus community and ensure the availability of support services for persons living with lupus.

For more information call 1-800-661-1468 or visit www.lupuscanada.org.