Only 3 Days Until the 7th Annual Lupus Race for Life

Runners, Walkers, Fire Fighters, Police Officers, lupus patients and those that support people suffering from lupus, don’t want to miss the 7th Annual Lupus Race for Life 5K Run/Walk & 1 mile Fun Run on Sunday, October 1, 2006 at La Mirada Regional Park, Los Angeles, Ca.

Irvine, CA (PRWEB) September 28, 2006 -- Lupus International along with local law enforcement and fire fighting agencies is hosting their 7th Annual Lupus Race for Life. There are only 3 days remaining until this fun filled family event. Join us in this worthwhile cause by registering online at http://www.lupusinternational.com. All proceeds are donated to Lupus International headquartered in Irvine, California.

Want to walk or run to show your support, but out of the area and cannot attend? Register online to participate in our 1st Annual Virtual Race for Life. The first three that register from each state will receive a participant bag that includes: T-shirt, key chain, water bottle, Frisbee, mini first aide kit, beach ball and more. Don't wait - register now at: http://www.lupusinternational.com/events/vrace.aspx

As part of your virtual race you will have a chance to win a prize by choosing which police or fire agency will win at the 7th Annual Lupus Race for Life and win a Race for Life Sweatshirt! You will be able to select from the following agencies:

California Highway Patrol, Inglewood Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Sheriff's Department, or La Habra Heights Fire Department.

Each year this race has special meaning for many of the committee members in law enforcement and fire service who either have lupus themselves or have loved ones living with this illness. It is their hope that the Lupus Race for Life will increase awareness, education, and research grants so that a cure will be found in this lifetime.

All those that register and participate at the park will receive a t-shirt, participant bag and a pancake breakfast. Our course is scenic, and shaded with a slide grade. It is professionally timed. There are park restrooms in addition to plenty of porta-potties. Parking is free.

Trophies are awarded to the top three male and female runners. Age group medals categories are: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69, and 70+. 1 mile kids’ medals are the following categories: Under 6, 7-10 and 11-13. Teams with the most participants, organizations (according to size) with the most participants, the first law enforcement officer and the first fire fighter across the finish line are all eligible for awards.

Important note: Online registration ends at noon, Saturday, September 30th. You may register at the park. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8:00 a.m.

Want to donate in support of those participating in the race? Donations can easily be mad by going to our website at www.lupusinternational.com .

Lupus International founded in 1983, is a primary resource for education and support of Lupus sufferers in Southern California. Lupus International serves eight Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. During our 22 years, we have provided thousands of people with educational and supportive services.

Lupus affects more than 2.5 million people. Lupus (systemic Lupus erythematosus or SLE) is a chronic disease that can cause inflammation, pain, and tissue damage throughout the body. Lupus is an auto-immune disorder whereby the body’s immune system attacks the recipient and manifests itself in a myriad of ways. The cause for this tragic disease is yet unknown, and there is currently no cure. Treatment is limited to symptomatic control, and toxic side effects to medication are quite common. When a person develops serious Lupus, they may have problems with their kidneys, heart, lungs or blood cells. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose and can mimic other diseases.

According to the Center for Disease Control, Lupus is three times more common in black women than in white women. It is also more common in women of Hispanic/Latina, Asian, and American Indian descent. Black and Hispanic/Latina women tend to develop symptoms at an earlier age than other women do. Awareness is a key element in the diagnosis of Lupus. It takes an average 4-5 years to be diagnosed. During this time, Lupus can attack the organs. In many cases, organ failure and loss of life can be prevented through early treatment.

Lupus International focuses on support and education for those who have lupus and their families. Communication is key to understanding the critical needs of lupus sufferers. People need to be aware that while people with this illness look fine, the ravage of their bodies, the difficulty in daily living, the coping with severe pain are very tough to live with. A cure is desperately needed.

To learn more visit us at www.lupusinternational.com .

We look forward to seeing you there to support this worthy cause.

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