Aug. 8, 2017

The New York City Area lupus community came together full force to get the Lupus Research Alliance October 14th Walk with Us to Cure Lupus off to a running start. The fabulous Advancing Lupus Care Through Vital Medical Research event held at iHeart Media headquarters started with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by interactive presentations on the research discoveries made possible by the funds raised through the New York City Walk and other national fundraising program.

Lupus Research Alliance CEO and President Ken Farber emphasized the power of unity. “We all want the same things – better treatments and a cure for lupus. If we work together as a team, patients, researchers and pharmaceutical companies to pursue that goal, there is no doubt we will succeed.”

Dr. Peggy Crow, Co-Chair of the Lupus Research Alliance Scientific Advisory Board and Co-Director of the Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), proudly pointed to the success story of the one drug approved to treat lupus is nearly 60 years – belimumab (Benlysta®). “Some of the research we funded some 10 years ago laid the foundation for that drug. And we are excited to see work we supported in interferon coming to fruition with the development of a potential new drug that is now in Phase 3 trials. We’ve come quite far but we must do even more to find ways to make people feel better.”

The hope Dr. Crow shared for better lupus treatments was amplified by Al Roy’s update on four lupus clinical studies soon to launch by the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) founded by the Lupus Research Alliance. “The strength of LuCIN lies in the commitment of researchers, patients and industry. The more studies we conduct, the more successful they are, the more we’ll break through with safer and more effective treatments while we keep pushing for a cure.” Al is Executive Director of LuCIN.

With all the enthusiasm in the room, the Walk team at the Lupus Research Alliance inspired folks to get involved. “Tell friends and family about events we’re hosting across the country. Register for the October 14th Walk in NYC or any of the Walks across the country taking place throughout the year,” urged Development staffer Jonathan Marks. “Help advocate with legislators for federal lupus research funding. Be our voices on the ground. We are stronger together than any individual.”

Visit our website to register for the NYC Walk or join the lupus community in a location near you!