Track & Field to Support Lupus Foundation of America
February 10, 2011 | Women's Track & Field
Feb. 10, 2011
BOSTON - During the two-day Valentine Invitational from Feb. 11-12, the Boston University track & field teams will sell wristbands and solicit donations to support the Lupus Foundation of America. The meet will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Friday (Feb. 11) and 10:45 a.m. on Saturday (Feb. 12) at the BU Track & Tennis Center.
A chronic, autoimmune disease, lupus can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. A lupus sufferer's immune system will produce autoanitbodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue.
"It's important to raise our awareness of the disease and especially for those who may not know they're at risk," said Robyne Johnson, director of cross country and track & field. "My mother passed away from complications of lupus in 1996 and I just want to make sure people are aware of the symptoms. Hopefully we can make an impact and do our small part to help find a cure."
More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported in the United States each year and an estimated five million people worldwide suffer from the disease.
For more information, visit the Lupus Foundation of America.
