News Summary
On May 3, 2025, Aiken hosted the 12th annual Crowning Lupus Walk at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center. The event gathered survivors, caregivers, and community members to raise awareness about lupus, honor those affected, and highlight the importance of support. Attendees shared personal stories and celebrated community solidarity, fostering a deeper understanding of the chronic disease. Organized by Crowning Lupus, the event emphasizes the need for education and assistance while promoting hope and resilience.
Aiken witnessed an overwhelming show of support on May 3, 2025, as the 12th annual Crowning Lupus Walk took place at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center. The event, organized by the local nonprofit Crowning Lupus, was created to raise awareness about lupus while supporting survivors and educating the community about this chronic autoimmune disease.
The walk attracted participants from various backgrounds, including lupus survivors, caregivers, and community members, all united in their mission to raise awareness and honor those affected by lupus. The event featured many personal stories shared by attendees, underscoring the significance of community support.
Noteworthy figures included Irma Jackson and Loretta Davis, who were spotted at the starting line, along with many others who wore purple to signify their support for lupus awareness. One participant, Madlyn Griffin, publicly expressed her solidarity by embracing Jade Harkness, the founder of Crowning Lupus, during the event, highlighting the emotional connection among participants.
Julia Skinner honored the memory of Crystal Stewart, who passed away due to lupus, by wearing a commemorative shirt. The event allowed participants like Madlyn Griffin to share their poignant stories, including her experience of losing her daughter to lupus in 2023. The atmosphere throughout the day was marked by community solidarity, as lupuse warriors and supporters came together to reinforce their strength and resilience.
Betty Mosley, a lupus survivor herself since 1995, took the opportunity to motivate others to remain steadfast in their fight against the disease. She encouraged participants not to give up, emphasizing perseverance in the face of challenges. Similarly, Natalie Suber spoke about the importance of community support to ensure that lupus warriors feel understood and not isolated in their struggles.
In addition to the walk, the event featured food options provided by volunteers, including hot dogs cooked by Jimmie Nealious. This effort not only satisfied attendees but also created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, further fostering a sense of community.
Crowning Lupus utilizes funds raised through events like this walk to support community programs and scholarships aimed at education and assistance. Harkness conveyed her appreciation for the turnout, expressing gratitude not just for those directly affected by lupus but for all participants who came to demonstrate their support.
The primary aim of Crowning Lupus is to bring greater awareness to lupus within the community, illuminating the experiences of those living with the disease. Darlene Mathis, a regular attendee since the event’s inception, honored her daughter, Crystal Stewart, who passed away in 2015, by donning a shirt featuring Stewart’s name, exemplifying the personal bonds that motivate community participation.
The Crowning Lupus Walk is open to all members of the community, aiming to foster a more profound understanding of lupus beyond those directly impacted by it. By participating, individuals contribute to a larger effort that not only raises vital funds for the organization but also nurtures the community’s needs, ensuring that awareness and support for those living with lupus remain at the forefront.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Upcoming Events in Aiken This May
Additional Resources
- Crowning Lupus Walk Aiken – Post and Courier
- Lupus Back to School – Post and Courier
- Clay Aiken – Washington Post
- Wikipedia: Lupus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lupus
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