Help end lupus, walk downtown Indianapolis

The 12th Annual Indianapolis 2018 Walk to End Lupus Now™ presented by the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29 at Historic Military Park and Downtown Canal Walk. This familiar venue is centrally-located, with free parking this year offered by IUPUI Parking Services. Sponsors of this year’s WTELN include Eli Lilly, Duke Energy and Kroger.

Lindsey Monroe, WTHR meteorologist, will emcee the event. In addition, DJ Rusty Redenbacher of Mudkids will provide the soundtrack for the day, and Andre “The Beast” Crayton will lead the warm up before the Walk begins at noon.

Hot dogs, brats, popcorn, chips, slushies and lupus merchandise will be available to purchase. Exhibitors are also welcomed this year to share products and services with more than 1,000 walkers. The Kid Zone will be a blast as children enjoy the bounce house and face-painting. Walkers can stroll the one-mile route or walk the three-mile route along the canal and alongside the many cultural attractions of downtown Indianapolis.

The purpose of this event is to raise money for lupus research, increase awareness of lupus and rally public support for those who suffer the brutal impact of this chronic, autoimmune disease. There is no fee to walk this year; however, participants are encouraged to register and fundraise early to receive their fundraising T-shirt on Walk day.

Check-in and day-of registration for the Walk begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Walk scheduled for noon. Each individual who raises at least $100 or more earns a 2018 commemorative Walk to End Lupus Now™ T-shirt.

The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans and 36,000 Hoosiers have a form of lupus. Although lupus can strike men and women of all ages, 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with the disease are women. Most people develop lupus between the ages of 15 and 44. Moreover, two out of three lupus patients reported a complete or partial loss of their income because they are no longer able to work full time due to complications of lupus.

For more information on the Indianapolis Walk, becoming a sponsor, walker, exhibitor, or volunteer, visit lupusindiana.org.

About the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter

The Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter is part of a national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. We work with local health professionals and volunteers to provide information and programs to provide answers to people with lupus and their families. The Foundations rallies support for those who are affected by lupus and advocates on their behalf. In addition, it raises money to support research and education programs so those affected by lupus can have an improved quality of life. For more information, visit lupusindiana.org or call 800-948-8806.