(MENAFNEditorial)
This year, the Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI) in Chicago celebrates its 17th annual Lupus Walk on Sept. 24, 2017. 14-year-old Maddie Handley began her lupus journey two years ago, when she was diagnosed after seeing numerous doctors for a variety of symptoms. Being a teenager with lupus, she acknowledges it does affect her day-to-day life – missing certain activities, and having to spend more time away from school.
Maddie attended her first Lupus Walk last year. 'I found it to be a really good experience,' Maddie says. 'Not as many people know about lupus as compared to other diseases. It was good to see so much support in one place for people with lupus,' she says.
Only fifteen percent of people with lupus are children. Ninety percent of people with lupus are women between 15 and 45 years of age. Minorities are affected at a higher rate and African Americans are nearly two to three times more likely to acquire lupus than Caucasians. However, anyone at any age can develop lupus.
'Maddie is proof that one person can make a difference in the fight against lupus,' says Charles Brummell, President and CEO of the Lupus Society of Illinois, the organization hosting the Walk. 'Although only fifteen years old, Maddie is bravely sharing her story to put a spotlight on this often misunderstood disease. As Chicago Lupus Walk Ambassador, Maddie is making a difference.'
Maddie became involved with the Lupus Society of Illinois after her diagnosis, and it has given her the positivity and awareness that spurred her to promote it in others. Helping Maddie on her mission to spread lupus awareness is her family. Maddie's entire family supports her in her battle against lupus. Her father, Alan Handley, is the CEO of Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). LRS has been supporting lupus awareness and the LSI for 2 years, and is the premier sponsor of the Illinois Lupus Walks.
Over 1000 participants are expected to attend the Chicago Lupus Walk in the hopes of raising $120,000 toward LSI's mission: to promote lupus awareness and complement the work of health care professionals by providing personalized resources for the lupus community while supporting research.
Along with raising awareness, the Chicago Lupus Walk will also be full of fun activities, such as a DJ and entertainment, a raffle and a team t-shirt contest. There will be a festival area with a stage and tents for LSI sales, kids' activities, top teams and sponsors. Light refreshments will be served.
About the Chicago Lupus Walk
WHEN: 8:30am-12:00pm, September 24, 2017
WHERE: Lincoln Park – Grove 2 (Near Stockton & LaSalle)
REGISTRATION:
Day-of registration begins at 9am – adults: $30, kids (12 and under): $10
Online pre-registration HERE – adults: $25, kids (12 and under): $10
All registered participants receive an official 2017 Lupus Walk t-shirt and personal fundraising page
1 or 3-mile routes are available
About Lakeshore Recycling Systems
Serving Chicagoland for nearly 20 years, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) is the largest private waste company in Illinois, specializing in recycling and waste diversion programs, affordable roll-off container services and comprehensive waste removal to Chicagoland businesses and residential homeowners. LRS owns and operates seven Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), a fleet of fuel-efficient natural gas-powered trucks and is run by over 720 committed full-time employees. LRS is a recipient of Chicago Public Schools' coveted Best Partnership Award, is ranked #35 on Waste360's 2016 Top 100 Waste and Recycling Companies in North America and is a 2016 multi-Stevie award winning company with honors including Company of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year and Fastest Growing Company of the Year. Controlling over 2.3 million tons-per-year, LRS does not own a landfill and is committed to raising awareness for a more environmentally sustainable and scalable business model that fuels the circular economy. To learn more, visit www.LRSrecycles.com.
About the Lupus Society of Illinois
The Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI), formed in 1973, is the Midwest's leading non-profit health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus.
LSI's mission is to promote lupus awareness and complement the work of health care professionals by providing personalized resources for the lupus community while supporting research.
With the help of informed volunteers, lupus medical experts, and committed and caring supporters, we:
• support research and conduct education programs so everyone affected by
• lupus can have an improved quality of life;
• provide information to
• ensure people with lupus and their families get answers and health
• professionals know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease; and,
• conduct activities to increase awareness of lupus, rally public support for those who are affected by lupus, and advocate on their behalf.
About Lupus:
Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat.
For more information about lupus or the Lupus Society of Illinois contact Mary Dollear, Vice President, at (312) 542-0002.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Dollear, LSI, (312) 648-6053, marylupusil.org
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