Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus: The Kassie Biglow Story
On October 10th, 2009, the 5th and Final Kassie Memorial Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus was held in Silver Lake, Ohio. The day before, the skies had opened up and rain poured continuously into the night. By dawn the rain had stopped, but black and gray clouds looked foreboding.
Despite the threatening outlook, about 200 faithful friends of Kassie braved the conditions and came to the event. Some came from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Florida. The Mayor of Silver Lake was a participant again this year and was very helpful in generating publicity through the local community access TV channel. "Team Alex," a group of people in support of Alex Piglia, a teenager with lupus, made another strong showing wearing their purple t-shirts.
As the festivities were about to begin and after some introductory remarks to the crowd by Kassie's brother and sister, somehow the sun burst through the cloud cover for the runners and walkers. Kassie must have worked her magic. The day turned out to be beautiful.
As in the past, donuts, sweet rolls, coffee, fruit and juices were donated by local businesses and thoughtful participants. Local print media gave supportive coverage, the public address system was provided by a nearby music store, and the same printing company again produced the quality fliers at no cost.
This year's Lap raised more than $10,000. "Team Alex" was responsible for obtaining $2,000 of this total.
Since its inception five years ago, Kassie’s Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus has raised more than $55,000.
Joe McMullin Jr. (Kassie's brother), his daughter Kate, and Kassie's sister Maureen address the crowd.
Walkers enjoy the nice weather during the 5th and Final Kassie Memorial Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus.
Signage from the 5th and Final Kassie Memorial Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus.
The History
Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus serves a two-fold purpose. It provides family and friends a way to honor the life of the late Mary Katherine "Kassie" Biglow, and it does so in a location that was near and dear to her heart. Second, it shines a much needed light on the debilitating effects of lupus, an autoimmune disease affecting more than 1.5 million Americans.
Kassie Biglow, a young wife and mother, passed away from complications of lupus in October 2004, one week before her 31st birthday. Kassie was a close friend and personal care attendant for David Lytle, who had suffered a spinal cord injury.
Kassie's death spurred Mr. Lytle to action. He nominated the Lupus Foundation of America to receive proceeds from an eBay auction of the NBC TODAY Show's Green Room book. The Green Room book includes signatures, notes and doodles from celebrities, political figures, newsmakers and other prominent guests who appeared on the TODAY Show. The LFA was selected as the recipient charity and all proceeds from the auction went to support the LFA’s national lupus research program. A yearly research grant in Kassie’s name has been established.
Sadly, David Lytle died unexpectedly in June 2007. A special tribute took place to honor his memory at the 2007 Lap 'Round the Lake for Lupus.
Related Link
Watch the clip about Kassie's story that appeared on the TODAY Show.
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