Providing Answers, Support and Hope in the Southeastern US
As we’ve all become accustomed to over the last year, the situation around the current spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to change rapidly and vary by location, so make sure you stay informed by visiting the CDC and your local health department websites regularly. The health and well-being of people with lupus is our top priority and we want to urge everyone to follow best practices to stay safe and healthy. Please visit our website for additional information on what people with lupus need to know about COVID-19.
This year, we will again host our Walk to End Lupus Now ® event in a virtual format to help ensure everybody stays healthy during these continued uncertain times, but can unite together virtually as one and show our power to help end lupus!
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, is my local Walk to End Lupus Now ® event still happening this year?
The Lupus Foundation of America has made the decision to postpone all in-person Walk to End Lupus Now events until 2022. Instead we will reunite from coast to coast for an incredible virtual walk experience on Saturday October 16th 2021. We encourage everyone to register virtually for your local Walk prior to 10.16.21. This is how you will get the most up to date information about the event and local information while supporting the Walk in your community.
If you do not have a local walk in your community, you can still join with walkers across the country and participate! Visit Walktoendlupus.org for more details and to register.
If the Walk this year is virtual, how do I stay engaged with the LFA leading up to 10.16.21?
Even though Walk to End Lupus Now® will be taking place virtually on 10.16.21, there will be different ways to engage with the LFA in your local community. These activities include educational webinars from lupus experts, fun virtual fundraising activities and other social media and fitness challenges. Contact your local LFA staff member by visiting Walktoendlupus.org to get the most up to date information locally.
Since the event is virtual, can I still fundraise for Walk to End Lupus Now®?
Yes! While attending the Walk virtually is the best way to celebrate and bring our community together to end lupus, you can still fundraise to help fund our important work—and the great news is, online fundraising is the quickest, easiest way to fundraise without ever leaving home! Check out these tips to maximize your online fundraising:
- Make sure you have activated your Facebook fundraiser through your participant center. Just login to your fundraising center and click the “Start a Facebook fundraiser” link. Make sure you invite your Facebook friends to your fundraiser and reshare often!
- Customize your participant center so everyone knows why you are walking to support the Lupus Foundation of America. People want to hear from you, and sharing your story is a big driver in achieving fundraising success, so make sure to share the link to your fundraising page through social media and email.
- Get creative! We are sensitive to the many challenges that people are experiencing right now, and understand you may need to change your fundraising plans. But now is a great time to be creative with how you’ll hit your goal. Check out our Virtual Fundraising Guide for some great ideas.
Can I still earn recognition and incentive items if I don’t attend a Walk event?
Yes! All donations and fundraisers that qualify for incentives will still be fulfilled.
Will companies match gifts this year?
This depends on the company. We encourage you to still submit any matching donations to your employer and check with your human resources department. You can also reach out to your local staff contact if you have additional questions.
Will I still get my t-shirt?
Yes, for any participant that raises $100 you will receive your walk t-shirt. Contact your local LFA staff member for more details.
Still have questions or concerns? Reach out to your local walk manager or local Lupus Foundation of America staff member today.