Racing to End Lupus with the Philadelphia Marathon Team
This Fall, 34 Racing to End Lupus team members will be making their miles matter during the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend – taking on the marathon, half marathon and 8K races.
Over the last several months, each member of the team has not only been training for their race, but also raising awareness of lupus while fundraising for lupus research, education programs, support services, and advocacy.
Get to know some members of the Racing to End Lupus Philadelphia Marathon team, and join us in cheering them over the finish line November 21 and 22.
Jacquelyn M. - Philadelphia Marathon
Could you share about your lupus diagnosis? When were you diagnosed and what were your symptoms?
I was diagnosed with lupus in October 2025 but had been experiencing symptoms for nearly a year and a half before, including hair loss, weight fluctuation, inflamed lymph nodes, fevers, and butterfly rash. I had been treating all of these symptoms as isolated situations, using over the counter remedies and not connecting the dots. When my extreme fatigue and joint pain were at its worst, I knew something else was going on. I noticed how much harder it was for me to get out of bed and do activities that were once very easy for me. From going on walks, to hanging out with friends, to traveling on planes to see family. At a certain point, I was unable to get in and out of a car without agonizing joint pain. I even struggled to open up water bottles and cried every time I had to get out of bed. It was then that I decided to get further testing and take my symptoms much more seriously.
What made you decide to join the Racing to End Lupus team, and train and fundraise for the Philadelphia Marathon?
The more I learned about lupus from my own experiences and others, the deeper my passion to spread awareness became. Before my diagnosis, I had little to no knowledge about how debilitating autoimmune diseases can be. I felt that joining the Racing to End Lupus team and training for the Philadelphia Marathon was the perfect fit for me. It combined two things that already meant a lot to me: staying active and spreading awareness. Through my fundraising I have had the ability to educate people about lupus and its severity, mystery, and versatility.
What is one thing you have learned through your experience training for the Philadelphia Marathon so far?
One thing that I have learned through my training experience is that the human body is capable of doing AMAZING things! When I first joined, I was nervous about my training and what that would look like with my lupus. The more I practiced and listened to my body, the more I saw myself growing and progressing with my runs. Once I started hitting my longest runs ever, I was so proud of myself and my body! It has been such an incredible journey seeing my progression from just one year ago to today. I’m extremely grateful for the support the Lupus Foundation of America has given me both towards supporting my training but also helping me realize just how much potential I have.
What is one thing you wish more people understood about lupus?
I wish more people understood that lupus affects so much more than your physical health. It can also affect your work, relationships, plans, and mental health. Learning how to live with a chronic illness is an adjustment in itself. It changes the way you plan your days, listen to your body, and sometimes even the way you see yourself. Just because someone doesn’t look sick doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. But I also wish people understood that a lupus diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to stop living, dreaming, or pursuing the things that matter to you.
Where is your favorite place to get your training miles in?
I live in Florida so anywhere outside is such a treat to run in, when it’s not too humid of course! There are so many different trails that give me the opportunity to see new views, wildlife, and overall beautiful scenery. My longer runs especially give me the time to fully appreciate the beautiful state I live in!
Michael M. - Half marathon
When was your daughter diagnosed with lupus and what were her symptoms?
My daughter was diagnosed with lupus in 2022 following a COVID infection. Her initial symptom was joint pain.
What made you decide to join the Racing to End Lupus team, and train and fundraise for the Philadelphia Half Marathon?
My daughter brought to my attention that the Lupus Foundation was setting up the Racing to End Lupus team for the Philadelphia Half Marathon. I have been a long-distance runner for a long time and my daughter and I agreed this would be a great way to use my experience and love of running to raise awareness of this disease and also raise funds to support research being conducted under the Lupus Foundation.
What is one thing you have learned through your experience training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon so far?
I have learned that I have more family, friends, and acquaintances than I thought that are very caring and generous in supporting my fundraising and the fight against lupus. This includes my son and his wife (flying in from California) and my daughter’s boyfriend who all will be joining me in running the half marathon.
What is one thing you wish more people understood about lupus?
Symptoms can vary day by day presenting new challenges to those with the disease.
Where is your favorite place to get your training miles in?
My favorite place for training runs are the trails in the parks near where I live. This includes Meadow Ridge Park and the Fair Haven Nature Trail located across the street from each over.
Brittney L. - 8K
When was your mom diagnosed with lupus and what do you remember from her journey?
My mom was diagnosed with lupus nephritis on October 9, 2025 after receiving a kidney biopsy to confirm. She later passed two weeks later on October 21st due to traumatic complications and trauma from a blood clot in said kidney. The three years leading up to that moment I saw my mom suffering from total hearing loss, essential and intentional hand tremors, total fatigue, and 12 mini-strokes. No testing for lupus was ever performed during those years, even though doctors assumed that was the case.
What made you decide to join the Racing to End Lupus team, and train and fundraise for the Philadelphia 8K?
My mom loved walking around racetracks whenever she could, and leading up to her unexpected final days, she would say how much she couldn't wait to get back to walking without being so tired all the time. So, I want to continue in her footsteps by racing with an organization that's fighting to end the very disease that has stopped my mom and countless others from living their life to the fullest.
What is one thing you have learned through your experience training for the Philadelphia 8K so far?
I've learned that training for an 8K is not as intense as training for half marathons (which I usually run), however, it has encouraged me to improve my speed since it is a shorter distance.
What is one thing you wish more people understood about lupus?
To always test for it. Regardless of how healthy you may seem on the outside, or if your health has been declining with no real answers, please test for it. The sooner you can catch it, the sooner you can start treating it.
Where is your favorite place to get your training miles in?
I love training along Lake Shore Drive here in Chicago. The beautiful skyline and the Lake Michigan breeze make the miles worth it.
Learn more about the Racing to End Lupus program and how you can make your miles matter in the fight to end lupus.