Thousands Participate in Lupus Foundation of America's Fourth Annual New York City Walk for Lupus Now® to Support Lupus Research and Education Programs

NEW YORK, May 23, 2011 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 21, 2011 the South Street Seaport was filled with purple passion as nearly 5,000 people living with lupus and their families and friends walked together to bring greater attention to lupus and raise urgently needed funds for lupus research, education, and support programs during the Lupus Foundation of America's (LFA) fourth annual Walk for Lupus Now® event in New York City. Many people were wearing purple colored shirts, waving colorful paper "butterflies of hope" and carrying team identification signs providing an amazing sense of community for the event. 

The LFA has designated the color purple to represent lupus awareness and the butterfly has for many years served as a symbol of hope for people with lupus, which affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide. 

"I walk for my son Alex, who is living with lupus," said Fran Tsimoyianis, New York City Walk Chair. "The annual walk event offers hope and inspiration for a better future and improved quality of life for my son and all those living with lupus."

LFA President and CEO Sandra C. Raymond, in remarks delivered just prior to the start of the Walk, told participants about the historic progress that has been made in recent years to increase funding for lupus research, advance the science and medicine of lupus, and develop new treatments for lupus. Raymond thanked the walkers for banding together for lupus to help the LFA improve the lives of all people affected by lupus.

Saks Fifth Avenue and Prudential were generous sponsors of the New York City Walk. More than 100 area residents also volunteered their time to help the event run smoothly. The LFA continues to accept donations in support of the Walk. To make a donation, visit www.walkforlupusnow.org/newyork. All proceeds from the Walk will be used to fund research and support programs for individuals affected by lupus in the Greater New York metropolitan area.

About Walk for Lupus Now

Walk for Lupus Now® is the LFA's national Walk program. Greater than 40,000 people participate in more than 70 cities across the country to make a difference in the lives of people affected by lupus and raise urgently needed funds for research, education, and support services. To find a Walk for Lupus Now event in your community, visit www.walkforlupusnow.org.

About Lupus

Lupus is an unpredictable and potentially fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system is out of balance, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body. Its health effects can include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, miscarriages, and organ failure. An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus.

About the LFA

The LFA is the foremost national nonprofit health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its national network of chapters, branches, and support groups conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.

SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America