#USA #Lupus Research Alliance #East Rutherford #MetLife Stadium #Lupus Awareness Month

Join the Fight Against Lupus

On May 17, 2025, thousands will gather at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) hosts its annual "Walk with Us to Cure Lupus" event. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the event, a significant occasion that offers an opportunity for lupus warriors, their families, friends, and supporters to come together, raise awareness, and fund vital research into this debilitating disease. May is designated as Lupus Awareness Month, a time when conversations surrounding this complex autoimmune disorder become essential as millions of individuals, predominantly women, live with lupus globally.

The Walk not only serves as a source of inspiration and hope for those affected by lupus but also acts as a pivotal fundraising platform. As one of the largest fundraising events for the LRA, it supports groundbreaking research projects aimed at discovering better treatments and a definitive cure for lupus. Participants can register as individuals or form teams, and advance registration is encouraged to ensure a smooth experience on Walk Day.

This year's highlights include inspiring talks from notable speakers, including 18-year-old Miah Andrade, who has bravely battled lupus since childhood. Miah will share her enlightening story and experiences, aiming to educate other children and parents about recognizing the early signs of lupus. Alongside her is her mother, Elizabeth SantaCruz, an ardent advocate for lupus awareness. Miah's poignant message emphasizes the significance of awareness: "If you find yourself unusually tired or experiencing joint pain when playing sports, it’s vital to inform your doctor. These could be signs of lupus."

Albert T. Roy, the President and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance, reflects on the profound impact of the Walk in the long journey towards a lupus-free world. He states, "When the Walk with Us to Cure Lupus program kicked off, it laid a foundation that outlines our vision of a life without lupus. Hope rises with new treatments on the horizon, but we desperately need additional targeted therapies to suit various patient needs. Funding innovative research is integral to achieve this aim. Our collaboration with the devoted lupus community, together with the supporters of our walk, drives us toward our ultimate goal of finding a cure."

Event Details

• - Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
• - Location: MetLife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ
• - Schedule:

- Registration opens at 9:00 AM ET.
- Walk begins at 10:30 AM ET.

• - The event will feature light refreshments, festive activities, interactive photo booths, and sections dedicated to children, along with motivational speakers who are sure to uplift attendees. Additionally, participants will have the chance to capture memories with players from the New York Jets.

Advance registration is open, and all proceeds contribute to the overarching mission of raising $425,000 to fund lupus research. Sponsors like Johnson & Johnson, New York Jets, and Bristol Myers Squibb have shown invaluable support, making this event possible. Additionally, the LRA's Board of Directors ensures that 100% of donations directly benefit lupus research programs, as they cover all operational and fundraising costs.

This event is part of a nationwide effort that has successfully raised over $45 million for lupus research in the past two decades. If you’re interested in joining the fight against lupus, register on the New Jersey Walk Page or contact Lisa Champion at [email protected] for further inquiries.

For more information about lupus and the LRA's initiatives, visit LupusResearch.org to subscribe for newsletters and updates.

Understanding Lupus

Lupus is a multifaceted autoimmune condition affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage across various organs like the kidneys, heart, and skin. Significantly, lupus disproportionately impacts women, especially those between the ages of 15 and 45, and individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds often face more severe symptoms.

About the Lupus Research Alliance

The LRA stands as the world's largest non-governmental organization dedicated to funding lupus research. Their mission is to revolutionize lupus treatment by financing innovative research initiatives and nurturing a diverse scientific talent pool to enhance diagnostics and treatment modalities, ultimately leading to a cure.

About Lupus Therapeutics

As the clinical research arm of the LRA, Lupus Therapeutics accelerates the search for effective treatments for lupus patients. Collaborating with top-tier research institutions and pharmacological partners, the organization works towards swiftly finding solutions that make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. Through efforts to engage community members and elevate patient voices, Lupus Therapeutics aims to foster an inclusive environment in clinical research.

Together, through shared dedication and awareness, we can forge ahead in the quest for a world free of lupus.