The Indianapolis 2016 Walk to End Lupus Now™ presented by the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter is scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at Historic Military Park and Downtown Canal Walk. This new, centrally-located venue promises a day of family fun.
Hot dogs/brats, popcorn/chips, slushies and cotton candy will be available to purchase, and children will enjoy the bounce house, balloons, face painting and music. Walkers can stroll the 1-mile route or walk the 3-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!
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 2016 commemorative Walk to End Lupus Now™ T-Shirt. The local band ‘Toy Factory’ will entertain the crowds this year, and we are also hosting an earlier, chip-timed End Lupus Now 5K run at the same location.
The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans 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. The Foundation reports that the average annual direct health care cost of patients with lupus was $12,643 according to a 2008 study. Two out of three lupus patients reported a complete or partial loss of their income because they no longer are able to work full time due to complications of lupus.
For more information on the Indianapolis Walk, becoming a sponsor, joining a planning committee, or fundraising, visit www.lupusindiana.org
