I've always enjoyed participating in walks for a cause. I first started attending such walks during my freshman year of high school, and suddenly, I fell in love with them. The idea that I was walking with hundreds of people fighting for a cure for a disease amazed me; it was so devastating to hear how these conditions may affect others, and that was enough reason to wake up at 9 am. I now find myself walking for a cure for Lupus. My boyfriend's aunt, someone I sincerely care about, found herself diagnosed with the disease not too long ago. Sadly, Lupus is one of many diseases that doesn't have a "look" to it. In other words, you would not even know if the person standing next to you could be diagnosed with Lupus. While this is a blessing for those who contract Lupus, it makes it harder to raise awareness since many will never notice.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body, and it affects the way your immune system operates. The autoantibodies begin to attack healthy tissue because the immune system cannot differentiate between the "Foreign invaders" (e.g. flu) and the bodies healthy tissue. One of your bodies greatest defense against disease begins to identify necessary cells as enemies. This can cause inflammation and pain in different parts of the body. Your brain, joints, lungs and nearly all the important organs of your body are in danger from Lupus. Families walk to raise awareness as this disease is spreading and can affect about 1.5 million American women and men from ages 14-60 and older. Typically, it targets women more than men. Lupus does not have a known cure, but similar to other diseases, people can manage the symptoms with treatment. It can be lifelong or last for many years. But this is a disease that needs more attention as many overlook sicknesses that aren’t easy to notice or discussed as often as others.

So next time you're at the doctor's office, make sure to get yourself checked out. Learn your family's history and check what diseases may need to be evaluated. Even if you find yourself to be healthy, it's good to remember there are others who are not so lucky. The more people that get themselves checked, the more we can promote the discussion of Lupus throughout America. Now whether you decide to join a walk for Parkinson's disease, AIDs, or anything else, make sure to donate if you can, volunteer, or register to walk with hundreds of others who yearn to find a cure. Every action counts, and many will be surprised how grateful those afflicted with these diseases can be with a simple share on Facebook. Sometimes all you need is positivity to make a person’s day better. And if you do want to join the Lupus walk, it is on October 15th at South Street Seaport 19 Fulton St New York, NY 10038. Bring your friends, or use it as a chance to walk your dog. Everyone helping is appreciated by those involved. I know I'll be walking for a cure every opportunity I get. Will you?