Local Lupus Advocate named 2016 Chicago Walk Ambassador
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cody McSellers-McCray shines a spotlight for lupus fundraising and awareness
CHICAGO, IL, September 12 – This month, Chicago will host its annual Lupus Walk and Fun Run on September 18th, 2016, led by local lupus advocate and this year’s ambassador, Cody McSellers-McCray. After more than a decade of painful symptoms, Cody was finally diagnosed with lupus in April of 2015. She now dedicates time to raising awareness of this illness to shatter the perception of invisible illnesses, such as lupus.
“It is my hope that people feel empowered to manage their condition and seek the best care possible. I’m also interested in raising money towards this cause to help identify timely diagnosis and better treatment options for this debilitating condition.”
Since 2001, the Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI) has raised over $3 million to fund research, increase awareness and generate support for those facing the challenges of lupus. To date, thousands of participants have walked in the Illinois Lupus Walk events, and each year that number continues to grow.
This month’s lupus walk will also host a variety of activities, including a DJ and entertainment, a raffle and a team t-shirt contest. The festival area will have stage tents, as well as LSI sales tents, kids’ activities, teams and sponsors. Light refreshments will be served.
About the Chicago Lupus Walk & Fun Run
WHEN: September 18th, 2016
Registration begins at 8:30am
Run steps off at 9:50am
Walk steps off at 10:00am
WHERE: Lincoln Park, Grove #2, 1746 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago
REGISTRATION:
Day-of registration begins at 8:30am – 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]
