MY WALK FOR LUPUS

Men and women, young and old, all from different backgrounds came out to DeAnza Cove in Mission Bay, on Saturday for one purpose- to walk in search of a cure for lupus.

Although only a few hundred people showed up, amazingly the open vibe of love and support from volunteers and participants to people with lupus, it felt like a thousand people came out to support the cause.

The entertainment was great. People enjoyed music, food and two clowns who looked more like knock-off editions of Ronald McDonald, almost scary looking. The kids didn't want to bother with them, I guess someone figured everybody needs some humor in their lives.

For the most of the day the sun was hidden behind the gloomy clouds and the temperature stayed under 70 degrees. For the average person the cold weather could have called for a reschedule, but for lupus patients it was a picture perfect day. Mainly because the sun can take a beating on lupus patients. Most prefer not to be in the sun. Although sunblock helps, its better to avoid the sun much as possible.

People with lupus who participated in the walk were given purple butterflies, but everyone was given a sticker to put the name(s) of who they were walking for. Some people even had up to three names.

The walk began shortly after 10am. During the three mile scenery walkers had a clear site of ducks, people fishing, playing water sports and jogging.

For a person in good health, the three mile walk was a cool breeze, but for some lupus patients even half a mile was a struggle. Some people were so drained they immediately had to take a seat and cheer people on. The participants that made it to the finish line were greeted by a crowd of volunteers shouting cheers of praise.

The fundraising turned out to be a success as well. People who raised over $250 were awarded T-shirts and raffle tickets to win lavish prizes; Day spa for two worth $500, Free Boot camp trainer, Massages, gift bags, and dinner tickets.

One lucky winner received dinner for two, the day spa and a T-shirt.

Goes to show raising money for a good cause can pay off, in many ways.

The Lupus foundation raised over $40,000.

The next walk for Lupus will be held next month in Orange County.

PURPLE BUTTERFLIES

"BECAUSE NO ONE SHOULD GO THROUGH IT ALONE."

May is Lupus awareness month. This Year the annual walk for a cure will be held in San Deigo on May 9th at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay.

I have taken a great intrest in finding a cure. My sister, aunt, best friend, and boyfriend have lupus, and everyday is a struggle. A beautiful sunny, warm day, can be thier nightmare.

For some, it's even hard to get out of bed because the pain is so excruciating, but still their world should not have to stop.

Lupus is colorblind and is not sexiest.

I hope that you will help in finding a cure with support and love by spreading the word and/or joining the walk for a cure on May 9th.

We are trying to raise $100,000 that will go towards research, medicine and support those in need.

If you are interested in walking the walk, donating some funds-every cent counts, or if you just want to cheer people on, help out with set up's-every minute counts,

Please visit : lupus.org/walk

or contact:

Christi Rauth, National Walk Manager

Walk for Lupus Now

Lupus Foundation of America

Rauth@lupus.org

The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and a cure for lupus and providing support and services to all people affected by lupus.

AND THEN THERE WAS CUBA

In early April President Obama said to heck with it and eased up on all limits on the ability of individuals to visit and send money to relatives in Cuba.

Is it time for the United States to stop being stubborn in time of economic needs and allow trade embargo with Cuba?

DEATH IS NOT THAT SERIOUS

It amazes me that with all the concern and media coverage on the swine flu, people are still not taking it seriously.

I've heard some people blame it on the media for causing an over reaction, causing people to go into panic, and millions of dollars being lost in tourism.

Really, what needs to happen for people to take it seriously?

Footage of walking zombies?

Do we need all the schools in the nation to shut down before we can take it seriously?

Remember the friend I mentioned earlier who said they're still going to Mexico, regardless of the drug war they have going on-because they'll just stay close to the hotel, and who thinks the swine flu is a joke- if it was that serious the traveling company would have canceled the trip?

Yeah America my naive, I need government proof, if I'm going to die it will be in paradise friend is still heading to Cancun.

All I ask is that they in no way come back from Mexico and head towards Orange County, ever.

Some think its a joke, but truth is, you never know.