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The Lupus Foundation of America will host a community walk at Oklahoma Christian University’s Payne Athletic Center on Friday, Aug. 28, aiming to raise awareness, connect people living with lupus to local resources and support research. The indoor event is designed both for participants who can complete the course and for those who need to take part from a chair or at rest.
Tracie Jackson spoke with News 9 about what attendees can expect and why gatherings like this matter for people affected by the condition.
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What is lupus and how does it affect daily life?
Jackson described lupus as an unpredictable **autoimmune disease** in which the body’s immune defenses mistakenly attack healthy tissue. Symptoms can shift from one day to the next — some mornings may feel normal while later the person may be experiencing pain, exhaustion or other problems.
She noted that severe episodes — commonly called flares — can leave individuals temporarily unable to carry out everyday tasks. That variability, Jackson said, is part of what makes the disease so challenging both medically and socially.
What to expect at the Walk to End Lupus
The event, organized by the Lupus Foundation of America, is scheduled indoors at the Payne Athletic Center to accommodate participants regardless of weather or mobility. Jackson emphasized that attendance does not require completing the course: the goal is community and visibility as much as exercise.
- 5K walk route available for those who wish to participate actively
- Vendors offering information and services for people with lupus and caregivers
- Raffles and giveaways to support fundraising efforts
- Memorial area to honor people lost to the disease
- Seating and accessibility measures for participants who cannot walk or need rest
Why community support matters
According to Jackson, living with lupus can be isolating; meeting others who understand the condition provides emotional relief and practical guidance. Beyond companionship, local events help channel funding into **research** and services that improve diagnosis and care.
For people affected by lupus — patients, family members or friends — the walk is an opportunity to learn about treatments, discover support groups and see how local providers and advocates are working to ease daily burdens.
Organizers say more information is available from the Lupus Foundation of America and through local event listings for the Edmond community.
