The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

FROM Goodman’s Bay to Sandyport, “Lupies” gathered in numbers as they took part in the “Walk For Lupus” Walkathon last Saturday.
Headed by the non profit group, Lupus Bahamas 242, the event was held in aid of global research to fight the chronic autoimmune disease.

According to the group, although there is no known cause for the disease, genetics, environment and hormones all play a part in whether a person develops Lupus. Common symptoms include debilitating pain, fatigue and unexplained flare-ups impacting random parts of the body especially internal organs.T

There are no national statistics on the number of people in the Bahamas with Lupus, but the group is working on establishing a database.
The Lupus fighters and their biggest supporters walked in their Lupus t-shirts, enjoying healthy snacks and free heath screenings at the walkathon.
Shonalee King Johnson, Lupus Bahamas 242 vice president told Tribune Health that the overall turn out was excellent, especially considering this was the organisation’s first walkathon. The event was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy, as it was originally scheduled for October.

“We had Lupus fighters, family members, coworkers all walking. Ms Deidre Young, walked for her daughter who is a Lupus fighter and is wheelchair bound. Mr Wellington Miller walked in honour of his wife who died in March from Lupus. There are so many stories of courage and commitment to fighting this disease,” said Ms Johnson.
She said the group was looking forward to getting the word out about Lupus Bahamas 242, as well as educating persons on the illness. Ms Johnson said the whole event turned out to be above their expectations as Lupus fighters of all ages were able to connect. She said this was also an opportunity for persons who are into health and fitness to learn more about the disease.

“That is a big part of what has been pushing this group forward. ‘Lupies’, who once felt isolated are now able to connect and share and feel less alone. Family members were also able to share experiences because caregivers and family members live through Lupus as well,” said Ms Johnson.
In the past, Ms Johnson said Lupus Bahamas 242 has held several events such as a purple tea party, which was held in May, Lupus Awareness Month and a hope float event, where they released balloons in memory of the those who suffered from the disease.

Ms Johnson said events such as these allow the group to help persons who are already health conscious and also persons who want to participate, to have an actual event that they can partake in. She said sometimes people cannot attend meetings, but they are free on Saturdays and want to take part in walkathons like this one.

“Everyday people are coming forth to say I know somebody who has Lupus, so if one person reads this story and knows someone who feels as if they are alone, they can now know that there is an organisation that can help, and we will know that we have done our part,” said Ms Johnson.
She said Lupus Bahamas 242 is now working on their Faces of Lupus Bahamas 242 Calendar. The group will release the calendar for sale in early December as a fundraiser and to place a name and face to the illness.

“We have twelve Lupies featured for each month from our youngest, a fifteen year old, to our oldest in her sixties telling their inspirational stories of survival through poems and testimonials. We decided to produce the calendar so that the cause can be highlighted every month instead of in May and October,” said Ms Johnson.
For more information on the group, visit the Lupus Bahamas 242 page on Facebook or email lupus-bahamas@hotmail.com.