New York’s May 6 ‘Walk to End Lupus Now’ Aims to Top $4 Million in Fundraising for LFA
The Lupus Foundation of America has scheduled its 10th Walk to End Lupus Now in New York City for Saturday, May 6, to recognize those living with lupus, honor those lost by the disease and fulfill the organization’s vision of a life free of lupus.
Since 2008, participants have raised more than $3.25 million and walked a combined total of nearly 100,000 miles to fund education and support programs, advocacy initiatives and research. This year, the LFA aims to top the $4 million mark through individual donations and corporate sponsorships.
Festivities start at 8:30 a.m., and the walk starts at 10 a.m., beginning and ending at 19 Fulton St. in New York. More than 6,000 participants and spectators are expected to attend.
“For 10 years, the community has come together to raise awareness for this devastating disease and support the search for treatments and cures,” Sue Gloor, the LFA’s northeast regional director, said in a news release. “I am proud of what has been accomplished but am keenly aware of how much work still lies ahead.”
Added Lynnore Thames, captain of Lynnore’s Brooklyn Walkers: “The event allows me to connect with the larger community of people whose lives are impacted by lupus so that I can improve my overall quality of living, develop connections with others living with lupus and be of assistance to those who need greater support than me.”
Besides Thames, other LFA founding members planning the event include Fran Tsimoyianis, captain of Team Alex in Queens; Rasheda Thomas, captain of Indigo Blu in Brewster, N.Y., and Sara Katz, captain of Team Michael in Bedford, N.Y. Corporate sponsors include Saks Fifth Avenue, Aureus and the Seaport District.
“I support the Lupus Foundation of America in honor of my brother Michael Barlin who died from this terrible disease in 2006. He was very sick for 10 years, and it affected him terribly,” said Katz, Captain of Team Michael. “Every dollar that Team Michael raises goes toward the Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Research Fund, which focuses on pediatric research to find a cure.”
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