Recognizing and congratulating the Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter of The Lupus Foundation of America on the 25th Anniversary of its Lupus Loop 5K Run and 2.5 Mile Walk to End Lupus Now.

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter is an affiliate of the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, they lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus; and

WHEREAS, More than 40,000 living with the challenges of lupus in the Philadelphia Tri-State region. Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive and can be fatal, yet research on lupus has not kept pace with research for other diseases of similar scope and devastation; and

WHEREAS,

The Lupus Loop 5K Run

and

2.5 Mile Walk to End Lupus Now

is the oldest LFA walk in the nation, and also one of the largest. During the last 25 years, this walk has brought over 50,000 individuals together, and last year alone, more than 4,000 walkers, runners, and volunteers united at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Lupus Loop. The event is scheduled for 8:30am on Sunday, October 30th, with registration opening at 7am. The Lupus Loop will begin Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park; and

WHEREAS, The organizers have set a goal of raising $400,000 to support national and local research initiatives along with live-saving programs of education, outreach and support. Ninety percent of every dollar donated stays in the Philadelphia Tri-State region to ensure the Chapter continues to provide programs and resources, including symposiums, physician referrals, advocacy and awareness efforts for those living with lupus and their families; and

WHEREAS, This year’s event is expected to gather over 4,500 people from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, all of whom are working to help raise money for lupus research and programs of education and support while increasing awareness of lupus and rallying public support for those who are suffering; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and congratulates the Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter of The Lupus Foundation of America on the 25th Anniversary of its

Lupus Loop 5K Run

and

2.5 Mile Walk to End Lupus Now.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter of The Lupus Foundation of America as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End