Kingston Jamaica October 11, 2021: October is observed as Lupus Awareness Month in Jamaicaand other Commonwealth countries. Lupus Foundation of Jamaicahas begun its month-long campaign to spread awareness of the life-threatening disease under the theme, “Children and Youth With Lupus: Saving Lives Through Knowledge and Support”.
A key calendar event, Laps for Lupus Awareness is set for Sunday October 17, 2021 at 6pm and seeks to raise not only awareness, but critical funds for the Charity’s member Medical Assistance Fund and other support programmes. Pete Smith, the Foundation’s Finance Director stated, “Laps for Lupus is an event geared primarily at raising the awareness of the public of the disease lupus and how persons affected can receive help and support. It has grown to be a fun and interactive event that members look forward to each year. Laps for Lupus is in its 4th year and one of the conceptualizers was Emily Dixon, a current member and Lupus Warrior.”
Due to COVID-19 safety restrictions, the Foundation has gone virtual with the event. “This online format has turned out to be a great opportunity to engage new supporters across the island to participate in the awareness effort,'' commented President of the Foundation, Rheumatologist Dr Desiree Tulloch-Reid. This year’s staging is expected to be vibrant and family-oriented as is customary.
Laps for Lupus Awareness 2021has been bolstered by title sponsor, JN Foundation, and will be hosted by Sakina Deer. Activities will include a workout session led by fitness guru Kurt Dunn, special performances, a healthy food preparation demo, games by Comedy Gamemaster Dalton Spence and a host of giveaways courtesy of Sponsors. Smith remarked, “It has been heartening to see these brands and individuals come on-board to support our drive to raise awareness of this illness.”
Lupus is considered a disease of the young hence this year’s focus on children and youth. Lupus in children can have far-reaching impacts on their physical, academic and social development. However, greater awareness among the wider society can lead to earlier detection and effective treatment.
To help promote the educational effort and to show support for Lupus Warriors, members of the public are encouraged to register online for this or other upcoming events, wear purple on Fridays during the month of October and join in the social media initiatives. They can also make tax-deductibledonations in person or via the Foundation’s website.
About Lupus Foundation of Jamaica:
Lupus Foundation of Jamaica is a member-based, volunteer-run charity dedicated to improving the lives and outcomes of persons affected by lupus through information, support, advocacy and research. The Foundation can be contacted at their Learning Centre at 7 Barbados Avenue,8767548458 or info@lupusfoundationjamaica.orgfor further information.
####
For further Information, please contact Desiree Tulloch-Reid, rheumjamaica@ymail.comor 8765744954.
