Blogs/News/PSAs

CONTACT: Sheri Kirkpatrick
Alliance for Lupus Research
Direct Line: 732-842-1607
Toll Free: 866-WALK-ALR
Email: skirkpatrick@lupusresearch.org
Website: www.lupusresearch.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Washington, D.C. WALKS FOR A CURE FOR LUPUS

Washington, D.C. - On Sunday, October 2nd 2011, thousands of D.C. area residents will join the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) for the Washington, D.C. Walk with Us to Cure Lupus at the National Mall Capitol Reflecting Pool beginning at 9 a.m. Ted Leonsis, Chairman
and Majority Owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment which owns the Washington Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA) and Mystics (WNBA), is chairing this year’s event. Last year’s D.C. ALR Walk generated more than $125,000, this year’s event is expected to raise $200,000
for lupus research, and will be held rain or shine. For more information on how you can participate contact the ALR office toll-free at 866-WALK ALR or visit walk.lupusresearch.org.

ABOUT LUPUS: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues and can cause life-threatening damage to major organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart and the central nervous system. Additionally, it is the leading cause of death among women with autoimmune diseases who are in their childbearing years (ages 15-45). No single test can be used to diagnose lupus, and it may
take several months or years after symptoms first appear for doctors to make a definitive. Approximately 1 in 200 Americans have lupus. Anyone can develop lupus, including children, but certain people are more likely to develop the disease. Nine out of ten people who have
lupus are women, and the disease usually strikes during the childbearing years. Lupus is three times more common in African-American women than in Caucasian women and is also more
prevalent in women of Latino, Asian, and Native American descent.

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR LUPUS RESEARCH: The ALR was founded in 1999 by Robert Wood Johnson IV, a member of the founding family of Johnson & Johnson, and owner of the New York Jets. The mission of the Alliance for Lupus Research is to fund biomedical research
into the cause, treatment and ultimately the cure for lupus. 100% of every dollar donated to the ALR, including support for the Walk with Us to Cure Lupus program, goes to support lupus research programs because ALR’s Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising expenses.

###