Walk to Cure Lupus Taking Place in New York at South Street Seaport

In New York City, as in the rest of the world, there are a number of things to be afraid of; many would not raise lupus to the top of that list. However, the Alliance for Lupus Research would like to change that ill conceived notion and this Saturday's Walk With Us To Cure Lupus event happening in New York City is trying to raise public awareness and garner support for this disease.

According to the Alliance for Lupus Research website they label systematic lupus erythematosus as a "chronic autoimmune disease" that can have horrific effects. Lupus gets right down to the core of your body and can affect joints and nearly every major organ in the body. These organs include the heart, kidneys, skin, lungs, and brain. While the majority of potential lupus sufferers probably already know about this because of the fact that most of the cases of lupus are hereditary, there is no concrete proof either way. In fact, lupus disease can also be triggered by environmental factors including infection, stress, even sunlight, so it's in everyone's best interest to try and find a cure for this disease.

An autoimmune disease is so crippling because the immune system, which is equipped to protect from infection, actually does a 180 and begins attacking the body's tissue and organs. Another frightening fact about autoimmune diseases in general and lupus in specific is that lupus is characterized by inflammation; that is, there are periods of intense flare ups and unsettling remission. Truth be told, some people who have lupus experience very mild symptoms and have few complications while others have very frequent and intense flare ups which lead to very severe complications.

With more than one million people or more in the United States, whether they know it or not, estimated to be infected with lupus, finding a cure is just as important some kind of vaccination or other preventative care. Anyone can get lupus; even children. While lupus more often affects women, it is a public health policy we should all get behind any way possible.

Hence the Walk With Us To Cure Lupus event that's taking place this Saturday at the South Street Seaport in New York City. For walkers and supporters alike, the registration begins at 9 AM and the event begins at 10AM. Following the walk there will be a concert; plenty of locals will be on hand to help celebrate including the radio station Q104 and former New York Jets players Joe Klecko and Dave Herman. There will also be face painting for kids young and old, clowns, photographers, and much more.

If you're interested in finding out more about this walk you can access information on the Lupus website. While it may seem to be too little late for you to walk in New York this go around, it's never too late to donate your time, your financial support, or just your presence to help combat this debilitating disease called Lupus.