Local Family Named Illinois Lupus Walk Ambassadors 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Juggan, supported by his family team “Juggan’s Jaywalkers,” lead the 2016 Northern Suburbs Lupus Walk
CHICAGO, IL, Apr. 7 – This year, the Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI) will host the 9th annual Northern Suburbs Illinois Lupus Walk on May 15th, 2016, with area resident Kevin Juggan and his family as its ambassador. Kevin was diagnosed with lupus two years ago. Since then his family has committed themselves to supporting the Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI) and the annual Lupus Walks. Tracy Juggan, Kevin’s mom, seeks to help others understand that, though her son doesn’t look visibly ill, he is very sick on the inside, and to bring to light the private struggle of someone with this type of illness. They also hope to continue to raise awareness and funds for lupus research to contribute to someday finding a cure.
The LSI provides programs and services that are invaluable resources for families like the Juggans. Funds raised through the four Chicago area Illinois Lupus Walks enable the LSI to offer these programs and services at no cost to those in need. The true courage in battling lupus comes from family members, like Kevin’s, whose endless support is what fuels the fire behind Illinois Lupus Waks. Says Tracy to the lupus community: “You are not alone. Stay strong and keep fighting.” This is the message they will continue to spread at this years walk, joined by LSI’s President & CEO Charles Brummell.
Over 750 participants are expected to attend in the hopes of raising $50,000 toward LSI’s mission: to promote lupus awareness and complement the work of health care professionals by providing personalized resources for the lupus community while supporting research.
Along with raising awareness, the Lupus Walk will also be full of fun activities, such as a DJ and entertainment, a raffle and a team t-shirt contest. There will be a festival area with a stage and tents for LSI sales, kids’ activities, top teams and sponsors. Light refreshments will be served.
About the Northern Suburbs Lupus Walk
WHEN: 10:00am-12:00pm, May 15th, 2016
WHERE: Half Day Forest Preserve
REGISTRATION:
Day-of registration begins at 9am – adults: $30, kids (12 and under): $10
Online pre-registration HERE – adults: $25, kids (12 and under): $10
All registered participants receive an official 2016 Lupus Walk t-shirt and personal fundraising page
1 or 3-mile routes are available
About the Lupus Society of Illinois
The Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI), formed in 1973, is the Midwest’s leading non-profit health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus.
LSI’s mission is to promote lupus awareness and complement the work of health care professionals by providing personalized resources for the lupus community while supporting research.
With the help of informed volunteers, lupus medical experts, and committed and caring supporters, we:
• support research and conduct education programs so everyone affected by
• lupus can have an improved quality of life;
• provide information to
• ensure people with lupus and their families get answers and health
• professionals know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease; and,
• conduct activities to increase awareness of lupus, rally public support for those who are affected by lupus, and advocate on their behalf.
About Lupus:
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.
For more information about lupus or the Lupus Society of Illinois contact Mary Dollear, Vice President, at (312) 542-0002.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Dollear, LSI, (312) 648-6053, [email protected]
