November 4, 2019

Big thanks go to our Team Life Without Lupus, who put their heart and soul into running the TCS New York City Marathon yesterday to raise more than $65,000 for lupus research.  Here’s the Team all together at our pre-Marathon Pasta Party, powering up with energy-boosting carbs!

The group of 18 starred two people who have lupus – Amy Cargain and Kia Adams — who ran despite the challenge of a disease largely characterized by severe joint and muscle pain as well as indescribable fatigue.  Special congratulations to Amy and Kia for their determination and fortitude!

Amy’s triumph caught the attention of two media outlets –Fox5 NY and News12 Westchester, raising awareness of the need for lupus research.

Others ran on behalf of someone special who suffers with lupus in hopes that research will bring new treatments for their sisters and moms. One group gathered family from around the world to run their first Marathon in honor of Aunt Regina (Weitzman) who has lived more than 25 years with lupus.  Running his 11^th marathon at age 70, Regina’s husband “Uncle Allan” Weitzman led his wife’s nieces and nephews to complete the 26.2 mile course through NYC, including the Bronx where the couple first met. The younger generation included: Julie Burke, Marie-Claire Guidoux, Sean Kilcullen, Brianna Kilcullen, Michael Kilcullen, Darren Lloyd, Murray Matheson, Ashlee McMillan, Brian McMillan, Nicole Nowinski, and Danielle Sirianni.

Their story captivated New York reporters from CBSNew York, Good Day New York on Fox5, the New York Post and News 12 Bronx.

Other Team Life Without Lupus members include Alec Abaunza who has looked for some way to make a mark in the fight against lupus since his youngest sister was diagnosed with lupus. Then he found Life Without Lupus and raised thousands for the Lupus Research Alliance.

Already registered with Guaranteed Entry, Chris Ciuffo joined Life Without Lupus two weeks before to honor his mom by raising funds for lupus research. Maryanne received a kidney transplant from her sister who was cheering Chris on!  His mom snapped this shot at the 18 mile mark! Only 8.2 miles to go!

Landon Stubblefield also ran for his mom, who has been his “hero” since childhood.  Having run the Marathon last year, he was determined to make this year really count by running for Team Life Without Lupus. Another team member Jacqueline Crisci, ran so that good friends Jennifer, Elizabeth, Carrie and Emily  would have no more bad days battling their lupus.

Let’s cheer for how well our team did, raising more than $65,000 and counting so the Lupus Research Alliance can keep breaking through – until Amy, Kia, Regina and the millions more worldwide can enjoy Life Without Lupus!

See more pictures of our Team on the run!