By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
This past weekend, May 15-17, was a spectacular recognition by Toledoans of the impact of lupus on the local community along with a concerted effort to raise financial support for organizations fighting to overcome the ravages of the disease.
Whether it is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); cutaneous lupus; discoid lupus, drug-induced lupus or neonatal lupus, the efforts of two Toledoans in particular, Rachelle Roy and Felicia Howard, who have been organizing lupus awareness events for five and four years, respectively, have led to increased participation each year.
Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead. (source: lupus.org)
Anyone can develop lupus. But certain people are at higher risk for lupus, including:
- Women ages 15 to 44
- Certain racial or ethnic groups — including people who are African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander
- People who have a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease (source: lupus.org)
Lupus has various symptoms and can affect individuals in different ways. Those who suffer from lupus can have issues with fatigue, damage to organs including kidneys and may develop skin problems.
Lupus can also cause hair loss due to the autoimmune disease itself or due to the medications prescribed to help battle symptoms from the disease.
This year’s participation was remarkable.
Rachelle Roy began the weekend with a wig giveaway at The Trunk on north Franklin inviting lupus warriors to stop by and receive free wigs, t-shirts and related products.
Then on Saturday night, Roy hosted a karaoke party at the newly remodeled and expanded Bluegill. Roy raised $1,400 during the karaoke night, funds that will go to the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter, and the research into cures for lupus and caring for those who have the disease.
And for the fifth year, the Toledo Lupus Walk was held on Sunday at Ottawa Park and representatives of the Lupus Foundation, Greater Ohio Chapter, drove over from Cleveland to participate. Suzanne Tierney, Chapter CEO, and Alex Acevedo, community engagement and events manager for the Chapter, helped Roy promote the event.
About 150 walkers turned out on Sunday – lupus warriors and their families, friends and supporters – to not only walk but also listen to music provided by a DJ, to hear event moderator Montrice Terry move things merrily along, to encourage each other in the struggle against lupus.
The turnout for the walk was four to five times greater than the number of walkers in previous years, an astounding increase in participation.
Rachelle Roy is usually handing out the “thank yous” to contributors and sponsors but this year, the Lupus Foundation, Greater Ohio Chapter, returned the favor and honored Roy for the dedication she has shown for the cause over the past half decade. Recognizing that effort, Suzanne Tierney presented Roy with a commemorative plaque before the walk began.
And the walk began!!
