Third Annual Walk for Lupus Now! to take place in Richmond on Oct. 29

Purple passion will cap a month of pink ribbons—raising funds and awareness for people with lupus, a still-unknown disease. More than 1,000 people with lupus, their families, friends and co-workers dressed in purple will carry butterflies in the Third Annual Walk for Lupus Now! Richmond on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 3:00 p.m. Affecting mostly women, lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease with no known cure that can damage any part of the body including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and the brain. The butterfly symbolizes the malar facial rash, a common lupus symptom.

There is no fee to register for the walk, but all participants are encouraged to secure $100 or more in donations to support the Lupus Foundation of America, DC/MD/VA Chapter's (LFA-DC/MD/VA) free services to persons affected by lupus in Virginia. Location: Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Va. Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. To learn more and register: http://www.richmondlupuswalk.org

"Walk proceeds will help fund our many, ongoing services and support for people with lupus in the Richmond area," said Penny Fletcher, president and CEO, LFA-DC/MD/VA. The Chapter's free services include regular support groups, patient counseling, support for newly diagnosed patients, two annual symposia, teleconferences, seminars on employment and disabilities, a newsletter with news and information on the latest treatments, and more.

Richmond resident Michele Shuman, 56, was diagnosed with lupus 26 years ago as a mom of two small children, following a recluse spider bite. She currently takes 27 different drugs every day, was in a wheelchair at several points, and said that she has benefited greatly from LFA-DC/MD/VA's workshops and webinars.

"I walk because lupus has ruled my life for 25 years, and I believe through the donations I collect we can get just one step closer to finding a drug that can make a difference," said Shuman, adding that she also walks because she can--walking for those who cannot.

"I walk because I am tired of suffering from a disease that so few know about," said Henrico resident Hilary Greek, 36.