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Nay Aug to host Lupus Loop 5K

Kelly McDonough Abington Journal Correspondent

The 13th annual Lupus Loop 5K Walk/Run is scheduled to take place Oct. 4 at Nay Aug Park in Scranton. Events coordinator Janice Liddic said, “Our need is even greater this year with the new budget going to be cut 50 percent. This will have a negative affect on the services we provide.”

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Above, members from Clarks Summit Curves participated in last year’s event.

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Left, members of the Kozlansky family from Factoryville won medals.

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Those services include new patient orientation, wellness workshops, educational programs and conferences, coping materials for families, support groups and community lupus screenings. The Lupus Foundation serves 15 counties throughout Northeast Pennsylvania and is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

“The Lupus Loop is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Liddic said. “Even if you can’t attend, you can go to www.lupuspa.org and make a fundraising page and e-mail it out to your mail list and collect donations.”

Those attending can expect a fun family event that will include healthy foods from Subway, fruit from the Hazzouri brothers, bottled water, health bars, pretzels and snacks. Abington Heights High School National Honor Society members are bringing baked goods and will act as directors on the course.

According to Liddic, the event can be a competitive run or a leisurely walk and everyone is invited to bring their dogs on leashes. There is a $5 registration fee for pets and participants will get a bandanna for their dog. Registration for adults is $25 and $10 per child. The goal is to reach $100 per participant. Their will be pledge prizes ranging from note cards to grand pledge prize for the adult who raises the most. That person will receive a two-night stay at The Inn at Starlight Lake and Restaurant, which includes a full breakfast.

Lupus Pennsylvania’s mission is to promote awareness, education, service and research for those affected by lupus. Mary Hart of Dalton understands how important these services are. Her 43-year-old daughter, Susan, was diagnosed with lupus in her early 30s but, because she had a lot of mysterious symptoms, Mary believes Susan contracted lupus at an even younger age. On the Lupus Loop, in which she intends to participate, she said, “I think it’s extremely important because, for the most part, there have been no new drugs for close to 50 years. The most important thing that can happen is having money raised and delegated for research.”

The Lupus Foundation designates a portion of every dollar donated to finding better treatments for lupus patients and their ultimate goal – a cure. Hart praises the foundation citing its staff as “extremely knowledgeable and providing free workshops and materials to those who need it.”

Those interested can contact The Lupus Foundation at 570.558.2008 for details.