MMRI announces the second annual Lupus Walk, in partnership with Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc. (LADA), to be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in support of MMRI’s lupus research.

 

The walk will be hosted at the Masonic Care Community Campus, located at 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by a press conference, a walk/run, and “fun zone” for kids where guests can enjoy face painting, food trucks, crafts, and yard games. Participants can then choose from a guided one mile walk or a 5k walk or run (untimed). Walk/run registration is $20, the 2025 Lupus Walk T-shirt is available for $12 or both for $30. All proceeds from the event will support MMRI’s lupus research program.

 

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack one’s own tissues, causing inflammation in the skin, joints, blood, heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. SLE can also lead to extreme exhaustion, fevers, skin rashes, hair loss, and anemia. It is estimated that 322,000 to 1.5 million people have lupus. Importantly, 90% of people living with SLE are female, and it disproportionately affects minority populations.

“We are thrilled to hold our second annual Lupus Walk in support of our growing lupus research endeavors,” said Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., executive director, Gordon K. Moe professor and chair of biomedical research and translational medicine at MMRI. “My mother’s 26-year-long battle with lupus motivated me to make lupus research a priority at MMRI. Our findings give great hope that one day soon there will be newer and better treatment options available for the millions of patients suffering from this disease.”

 

LADA has been a proud supporter of MMRI research since 1990 and currently supports four major lupus research projects, including identifying how the increased activity of specific biological enzymes in the body can affect progression and pathogenesis of SLE; identifying new ways to target and treat lupus nephritis (kidney disease); developing novel therapeutic agents for

the treatment of SLE; and studying how immune cell activity in SLE can lead to the development of venous thromboembolisms. LADA has played a crucial role in MMRI’s lupus research program, providing more than $615,000 in grant funding.

 

“As a national patient-led organization founded in Utica, all of us at LADA are thrilled to partner with MMRI for this annual event,” said Kathleen A. Arntsen, president & CEO at LADA. “The Lupus Walk is the perfect opportunity to come together for the lupus community and raise support for MMRI’s research into the prevention and treatment of lupus while promoting lupus awareness month during May.”

 

MMRI and LADA looks forward to welcoming individuals and teams to participate in this important event.

 

Visit mmri.edu/lupuswalk for more information or to register today!

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