The Bear Claw Casino and Hotel recently organized a local Walk for Lupus, which was held on Tuesday, May 10. Focused on raising funds for support services and research, the walk was also meant to bring lupus awareness to the community.
Despite the cold and rain, the group of 11 who walked a total of 7.5 km on May 10 and raised $1,000 to be donated to Lupus SK Society.
Patti Sweet, one of the organizers, explained, “Everyone walked for different personal reasons, but the main reason [The Bear Claw Casino] held the walk was because of Edward Littlechief, he was our General Manager here and has had to step back from duties because of lupus. Some walked for Edward and others walked for family members and friends.”
“I think we will do this again next year, so this was our first annual walk, and we’re hoping it will grow.”
Following the walk the group had lunch at the restaurant in The Bear Claw Casino and Hotel, while they also enjoyed cookies and cupcakes donated by a family from Carlyle.
Lupus is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body’s immune system actually attacks your own tissues and organs. There is currently no cure for lupus, which someone is either born with a genetic disposition for it or it can be triggered by infections, certain drugs, or even sunlight, but treatments are available to help control symptoms.
Symptoms vary greatly and may develop slowly or suddenly, while they can also be temporary or permanent. Oftentimes people with lupus experience “flares” which is characterized by signs and symptoms worsening, then subsiding or even disappearing for a time.
Signs and symptoms are said to depend on which body system is affected. Many signs are not unique to lupus which include fatigue, fever, joint pain, stiffness, swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dry eyes, and headaches. However, a butterfly shaped rash covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose often accompanies lupus, although not always.
