Lupus Foundation's Walk to Support Research Into Disease

Hillsborough resident Laura Iarkowski is calling on area residents to help support the Lupus Foundation of America, New Jersey Chapter, Inc.'s 21st Annual Walk To End Lupus Now 2013 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, Oct. 6th.  

"Please join us in a fun filled day with a two-mile walk in support of the New Jersey Chapter, Inc.’s mission to educate and support those affected by lupus and research for the cure!" she said. 

Iarkowski, a Hillsborough resident for 19 years and first vice chairwoman of the NJ Chapter, is coordinating the event along with the rest of the NJ Chapter's Board of Directors and many volunteers. Help support Iarkowski's team on her Walk page on the Lupus Foundation website.

The Lupus Foundation of America, New Jersey Chapter, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching and improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by lupus. 

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.  A few key facts from www.lupus.org are below:

• Lupus researchers estimate that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
• It is not contagious and is not like or related to cancer.

There currently is no cure for lupus although there is some research currently underway searching for a cure. Treatments and medications can only help manage the disease. Find out more on the Lupus Foundation NJ website. 

The Lupus Foundation of America, New Jersey Chapter, Inc. 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. 

The Lupus Foundation of America, New Jersey Chapter, Inc., together with its three-person staff (Leonard J. Andriuzzi, President and CEO; Julia Oppenheimer, Financial Administrator and Jason Konig, Health Educator and Case Management); Board of Directors (Ranit C. Shriky, Laura Ellen Iarkowski, Rosalinda Perez, Michael Pinhas, Anthony Albanese, Tammy Allen, Beverley Danner, Georgette Dwyer, Roberta A. Kaar, Salvatore Lataro, Chuck Saia, and Victor Sloan, M.D.) and many informed volunteers, lupus medical experts, and committed and caring supporters raise funds to: 

• Support research and conduct education programs so everyone affected by lupus can have an improved quality of life;

• Provide information and hold support group meeting for patients throughout New Jersey to ensure people with lupus and their families get answers and are connected to health professionals who know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease; and,

• Conduct activities to increase awareness of lupus, rally public support for those who are affected by lupus, and advocate on their behalf.