#United States #Lupus Research Alliance #East Rutherford #Lupus Awareness #Cure Lupus

Join the Lupus Research Alliance's Walk with Us to Cure Lupus

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is ready to host its much-anticipated Walk with Us to Cure Lupus event on May 9, 2026, at Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey. This yearly gathering unites lupus advocates and supporters who are passionate about raising funds for research to find a cure for this complex disease. The event serves both as a celebration and a platform for awareness, given that May is Lupus Awareness Month.

Since the inception of this event 23 years ago, the New Jersey Walk has raised over $10 million, reflecting the community's dedication towards advancing lupus research. "Every year, this event provides an opportunity for supporters to take actionable steps towards combating lupus," remarks Albert T. Roy, President and CEO of the LRA. The Walk embodies the theme for Lupus Awareness month, "Hope in Action: The Future of Lupus," and encourages participants to join in and contribute to the fight against this debilitating disease.

Key Highlights of the Event

This year, participants can look forward to hearing from an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

• - Albert T. Roy, President and CEO of the LRA
• - Brenda Blackmon, a long-time lupus champion and TV personality
• - Jesse Linder, VP of Community Relations at the New York Jets
• - Chris DiNardo, Head of Global Marketing for Lupus at Johnson & Johnson
• - Bishop Rudy V. Carlton, Lupus Research Alliance Board member and Senior Pastor of Jehovah-Jireh Baptist Church
• - Martha Chisholm, keynote speaker, lupus ambassador, and a dedicated advocate in clinical research efforts.

Martha Chisholm expresses her enthusiasm on being part of the LRA, stating, “I became involved with the LRA because it is the world's largest research hub dedicated to helping those of us living with lupus in the search for a cure.” Chisholm hopes to inspire others through her personal journey and encourage increased participation in lupus research initiatives.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Location: Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, East Rutherford, NJ
Time:

• - Registration begins at 9:00 AM ET
• - The Walk starts at 10:30 AM ET

Participants can expect a family-friendly atmosphere with various activities including:

• - Refreshments
• - Fun festivities
• - Photo booth
• - Kids Zone
• - Face painting
• - And a chance to meet players from the New York Jets!

How to Get Involved

Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference! Interested individuals can register through the New Jersey Walk website, and additional details can be obtained by emailing Lisa Champion at [email protected]. Special thanks to the sponsors who make this event possible, including Genentech, Johnson & Johnson, and RWJBarnabas Health, among others.

Understanding Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause significant harm to various organs including the kidneys, heart, and lungs. It disproportionately affects women, particularly those aged between 15 and 45, and is more prevalent among diverse ethnic groups including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.

The LRA stands as the largest non-profit organization dedicated to funding lupus research globally. Its mission is to transform treatment options through innovative research, ultimately striving for a cure. Importantly, 100% of donations directed to the LRA support research initiatives, as all administrative costs are covered by board members.

By participating in the Walk, individuals not only support vital research but also rally the community in the fight against lupus. Together, we can build hope and pave the way for better diagnostics and treatment for those affected by this complicated disease.

For more information, visit the Lupus Research Alliance website and stay connected through their social media platforms.