? Hey friends! It's that time of year again! This year is the 21st annual Walk to End Lupus Now-Milwaukee and my ELEVENTH year as a Team Captain. I'm so excited to participate this year because I've been asked to be on the planning committee! It's been exciting getting to help put this event together! The walk will take place on the morning of Saturday, May 13th at Hoyt Park in Wauwatosa.
? I feel like many of you already know, but for those of you who don’t, I have Lupus. I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2008 while in college. What is Lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body including skin, joints and/or internal organs. In Lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. "Autoimmunity" means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues. As a result, it creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body. For me, Lupus affects my joints, especially in my hands, wrists, knees and ankles. Another symptom that I have is Alopecia, which is the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows.
? Thankfully, my Lupus has been and is currently MOSTLY mild compared to the debilitating symptoms that others endure. In the last few years, I've had some issues with my kidney function, but luckily I was able to regulate the problems with medication. Between regular visits with my rheumatologist and neurologist and LOTS of lab work, we've been able to keep everything in check!
? Last year my Support Squad was 22 people strong and I'd love yo have an even bigger team with me this year! Walk registration is $30 for adults. It includes a Lupus t-shirt AND your registration fee counts as a donation to my team!
? Any donations are truly appreciated as I work to beat my fundraising total from last year. Last year’s goal was $1,500 and I was able to raise $1,779.25. This year’s goal is $2,000.
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/walktoendlupusnow-milwaukee2023/team/917997
Or Venmo me @jenbarlow12
Thank you all for the support!
? Jen