Walk for Lupus Now to be Held in Brecksville Next Weekend

The focuses on patient advocacy, said patient navigator Leslie Vizcarra, helping patients learn about and feel comfortable with their diagnosis. 

“It doesn’t have to be lonely, and it doesn’t have to be misunderstood,” Vizcarra said.  

Vizcarra is also the coordinator of , one of the foundation’s largest fundraising events. The walk, which supports local programs, will take place in the Saturday afternoon. 

“As a patient, the foundation was so important to me,” said administrative assistant Kathy Holmes.  

She came to the foundation in 1989 as a patient; she’s now in remission. She said the diagnosis was scary, and it’s good to have someone to talk to who knows about it. 

According to the chapter’s website, lupus is an autoimmune disease that currently has no cure and can present itself in a variety of ways.  

“It’s different for every person that has it,” Holmes said. 

Now she loves to be the person who answers the phone when patients call, because she’s able to offer both comfort and resources.  

The majority of the money raised by the walk goes to the local chapter for programs and new patient education classes. A portion goes to the national chapter for research.  

It’s the 13th year of the walk, Holmes said. Vizcarra said the first year, 99 people—and one dog—participated. Last year, there were about 800 participants, she said. 

The teams are walking to give hope, Vizcarra said, adding that this year’s walk through the Metroparks will include a symbolic butterfly release.

“We always try to make it about the patients,” she said. Those who come out to take part in the walk always receive some sort of souvenir, like a bag or water bottle.  

Interested participants can register up to the day of the event, Vizcarra said, but if they preregister, the national foundation will give back $1 for each person. Teams need a team captain who is in charge of instructing the team and collecting fees and donations. 

Last year, the foundation raised about $75,000, Holmes said.  

“We’re hoping to beat that this year,” she added. 

• What: Walk for Lupus Now
• When: 2 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2011; Registration begins at 1 p.m. The shuttle begins at 11:30 a.m.
• Where: Oak Grove Pavilion, Brecksville Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks – There is a free shuttle available from the Brecksville municipal parking lot, near the . 
• How much: Vizcarra said there is a $20 minimum donation from each individual. Larger donations are accepted. 

For more information about the walk, visit the foundation’s website.