Walk for Lupus Now - OKC Zoo May 16, 2009

Take a walk on the wild side and help support a good cause as the Oklahoma Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America will be raising money at the Walk for Lupus Now 2009 event at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Registration will begin at 8:00 am and the step off will start at 9:00 am, on Saturday, May 16th.

“We already have 650 walkers pre-registered and we are expecting as many as 1000 people to attend.” stated Lea Jensen, LFA, OK Chapter, Executive Director. “Our fundraising goal is $50,000. Whether you choose to join a team or walk on your own, you’ll be doing your part in the fight against lupus, plus you’ll have fun doing it.” said Jensen.

Admission to the Zoo is free to all attending the walk and everyone can stay as long as they like to enjoy the creature comforts. There will be free snacks and drinks, live entertainment, face painting for the kids and free massages. Walkers get a free t-shirt for every $100 raised. There are no registration fees for any participant of any age and all donations are tax deductible.

Supporters of the Walk for Lupus event include State Senator Constance Johnson, Jon Hansen and Jammal Brown.  “The Lupus Foundation is a source of comfort, hope and encouragement, especially to African American women who appear  to be disproportionately affected by the disease.” said Senator Johnson.

A former Oklahoma City Fire Chief, Hansen spearheaded rescue efforts after the Murrah bombing in Oklahoma City.  "My personal involvement is a plea for people to help my daughter and others like her by supporting the Walk for Lupus Now on May 16th." said Hansen.    Jon Hansen is on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Lupus Chapter.

Jammal Brown, who’s mother died from lupus, is a former OU football star and current NFL member of the New Orleans Saints. The cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive front, Jammal has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier left tackles.

Jammal will be a special guest at the kick-off party the night before the walk at BRiX, to help raise awareness about lupus.   BRIX, a sports bar located at 27 W. Sheridan, in Bricktown, will feature live entertainment by The Rexall Rangers performing blues americana music. There will be an $8 cover charge with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the Lupus Foundation.  Jammal regrets he will not be able to participate in the Walk on Saturday as he will be attending his graduation cermony at the University of Oklahoma that morning.     

“The best way to enjoy the Walk for Lupus Now is to register and invite others to walk with you.” said Jensen. “And remember, you can participate from the comfort of your own home by registering as a Virtual Walker online at www.oklupus.com by clicking on the ‘Walk’ link.”

Lupus is a disease for which there is currently no cure. It is difficult to diagnose, and the cause is unknown. When a person has lupus, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue and organs. In some cases, the patient experiences only occasional symptoms and mild discomfort. In other cases, the symptoms are life-threatening. Approximately 1.4 million Americans have lupus and of those, 90 percent are women. Lupus usually strikes women between 15 and 45 and is two-to-three times more common among black women. Hispanics, Asians and Indians also have a higher incidence of lupus.

The OK Chapter of the Lupus Foundation provides assistance through eleven lupus support groups across Oklahoma that are working to educate and support those affected by lupus and their families.

If you are interested in learning more about lupus and would like to participate in the Walk for Lupus Now event, please contact Lea Jensen – Executive Director, OK Chapter LFA at 405-427-8787 or go online www.oklupus.com.

Official Website: http:// www.oklupus.com