Wheaton Mom & Daughter Named Western Suburbs Illinois Lupus Walk Ambassadors

CHICAGO - July 23, 2015 - PRLog -- July 23, 2015– Raven Lauer was diagnosed with lupus in August of 2011 after a year of symptoms at 14 years old.  Together, they’ve been fighting to raise awareness ever since.  “My daughter has always amazed me,” says Shantel, “but seeing her persevere in the face of lupus – now she’s my hero.”

This year, the mother and daughter were chosen to serve as Lupus Walk Ambassadors at the Western Suburbs Illinois Lupus Walk – an opportunity to raise awareness throughout the community.

“My goal as Walk Ambassador,” says Shantel, “is spreading awareness.  Awareness is key.  Awareness is the beginning of everything.”

Charles Brummell, the President & CEO of the Lupus Society of Illinois, the organization hosting the Lupus Walk, couldn’t agree more. “Awareness in a large part of our mission,” says Brummell.  “Shantel and Raven sharing their story and their passion for our mission makes them an excellent choice to serve as Lupus Walk Ambassadors.”

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any system in the body. There is no cure for lupus and few treatments exist.  The disease can be mild to life-threatening and affects each person differently.  Among the most common symptoms are fatigue and body aches.  Many people with lupus are hesitant to share their lupus diagnosis with the public due to a lack of understanding.

Finding a community of support is important.

That’s part of the reason Shantel and Raven believe in the importance of the Illinois Lupus Walk.  “A few years ago, I saw an advertisement in the paper for the Lupus Walk so we decided to go,” says Shantel, “I was amazed at the turn out, to the point that it brought me to tears.”

And so on Saturday, August 8, 2015 Shantel, Raven and their entire team will walk at the 10^th annual Western Suburbs Illinois Lupus Walk in support of the Lupus Society of Illinois’ mission.  “Knowing that there is an organization out there to help if and when needed is huge,” says Shantel.  “Raising awareness is the only way to find a cure.”

About the Western Suburbs Illinois Lupus Walk

The Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI) will host its tenth annual Western Suburbs Illinois Lupus Walk event on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the Naperville Riverwalk in Naperville, IL. The event includes a choice of one or three mile walks through the Riverwalk and downtown Naperville.  The family-friendly event features music and entertainment, a raffle, and kid’s activities. Teams and individuals are invited to raise funds for their efforts.  Incentive prizes are awarded for fundraising.

All registered Walkers will receive an official Illinois Lupus Walk t-shirt on Walk Day.  Registration is $25 for adults prior to the event and $30 for the day of the event.  Kids 12 and under can register for $10 prior to or at the event.

WHEN:          Saturday, August 8, 2015

         Registration opens at 9 a.m.

         Walk steps off at 10 a.m.

WHERE:          Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville Illinois

COST:          $25 advance registration, $30 on-site, $10 for children 12 and under

Register at www.lupuswalkil.org

About the Lupus Society of Illinois

The Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI), formed in 1973, is the Midwest's leading non-profit health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus.

LSI’s mission is to promote lupus awareness and complement the work of health care professionals by providing personalized resources for the lupus community while supporting research.

With the help of informed volunteers, lupus medical experts, and committed and caring supporters, we: support research and conduct education programs so everyone affected by lupus can have an improved quality of life; provide information to ensure people with lupus and their families get answers and health professionals know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease; and, conduct activities to increase awareness of lupus, rally public support for those who are affected by lupus, and advocate on their behalf.

About Lupus:

Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body.  It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat.

For more information about lupus or the Lupus Society of Illinois contact Mary Dollear, Vice President, at (312) 542-0002.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Dollear, LSI, (312) 648-6053, mary@lupusil.org