Key Takeaways:
- Hundreds turned out at Rochester Municipal Park for the Michigan Lupus Foundation’s annual lupus awareness walk
- About 80% of new lupus cases develop between ages 15 and 44, and the disease is more common in women
- The Michigan Lupus Foundation offers resources and upcoming events at milupus.org
ROCHESTER, Mich. – Hundreds of community members gathered Saturday morning at Rochester Municipal Park — sporting purple, the color of lupus awareness — for the Michigan Lupus Foundation’s annual lupus awareness walk. The event drew a steady stream of participants united by a shared sense of purpose: raising awareness for lupus and supporting those fighting the disease close to home.
Organizers say last year’s walk broke attendance records.
What is it like to get a lupus diagnosis?
For many participants, the walk is deeply personal. Madison Mitchell, who was diagnosed with lupus, says the diagnosis initially came with confusion and uncertainty about where to turn.
“I had never heard of lupus other than what most people know, you know Selena Gomez. I knew that that was the reason she has a kidney transplant, but I didn’t know what causes it. What any of the symptoms really were,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell says her parents helped guide her through the process. Now, her mother is actively involved with the Michigan Lupus Foundation — staying engaged to help others navigate the same difficult journey.
Events like this walk, Mitchell says, make a real difference for people who might otherwise feel isolated.
“When you come to things like this there’s at least like one other person who might have some tips or tricks for you and it’s also just nice to not feel alone,” she said.
Who does lupus affect?
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that presents differently in each person. According to the Michigan Lupus Foundation, about 80% of new cases develop between the ages of 15 and 44, and the disease is more common in women.
Nicole Winters-Smith of the Michigan Lupus Foundation says the walk is a celebration as much as it is a call to action.
“It’s just a great opportunity for us to come together and just experience all of the beauty of celebrating these warriors,” Winters-Smith said.
She adds that new research and emerging treatments are giving the lupus community reason for optimism — but awareness remains critical.
“Any awareness is great awareness. We are so optimistic at some of the new research that’s coming out and some of the new treatments and we just need people to take a minute to really learn lupus and make sure that you’re taking care of yourself,” Winters-Smith said.
Why does community support matter?
Mitchell says lupus is often misunderstood — and even overlooked — despite being more common than many people realize.
“It’s not a rare disease but I think it’s very invisible. I think to come together as a community to support lupus is super important,” she said.
For more information on lupus resources and upcoming Michigan Lupus Foundation events, visit milupus.org.
