Walk Ambassador LaShon Gurrola
2021 Virtual run, WALK, ride ambassador, LaShon Gurrola. Team captain of Rush’ing Stars and is also on the LSI Associate Board team. LaShon is an LSI support group leader to the Rush University Medical Center and Elmhurst-Edwards Hospital.
How did you first become involved in the Illinois Lupus Walk and the Virtual run Walk ride?
I was introduced to the walks by my colleague and friend Meenakshi Jolly MD. This will be my 4th year participating in an LSI walk.
Why do you think the Illinois Lupus Walk and the Virtual run Walk ride is important?
The walks are a way of teaching my children to give back and serve. Raising awareness and advocating for the lupus community is something I feel is very important. I’ve enjoyed having my family participate in the walks.
These efforts help LSI to continue programs offered to the lupus community.
As a Team Captain, what are your goals?
I want to practice what I preach and do the very things I ask my supporters to do. That is to donate, support the walk, and to raise awareness.
How has participating in the LSI Walks in the past changed your involvement in the LSI community?
My participation in the walks preceded me starting the lupus support group at Rush University Medical Center. I have now added a second support group at Elmhurst-Edwards Hospital.
Why is being a part of the lupus community so important to you?
I wholeheartedly believe the lupus community should help advocate and secure the supports we need.
How has the LSI helped you cope with lupus?
Well, the work I do with LSI and the lupus community keeps me busy. That busyness helps me cope with my lupus by giving me something positive to focus on. Positivity amidst a horrible diagnosis is a good thing. I don’t dwell on the negative aspects too long. My involvement with LSI helps me cope because it’s a positive diversion. I also have connected with others with lupus and that helps me have someone to talk too that understands the challenges I face every day!
What would you want the world to know about lupus?
I would want the world to know that lupus is unpredictable, tiring, and life altering, not only for the people with lupus but their loved ones get a lupus journey as well.
*This year I asked some of my supporters to talk about why the support me with my fundraising efforts for the LSI Lupus Walk and other supports to the lupus community. Check out LSI’s Facebook posting to see my videos.
Join LaShon and hundreds of others by participating in the Virtual run WALK ride for LUPUS! www.lupuswalkil.org
