NEW YORK, June 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation's Young Leaders committee raised thousands for the fight against lupus at their annual fundraising party last night attended by more than 200 of New York's young professionals. Proceeds from "Wear White for the Fight" will help the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation achieve its goal of a "Life Without Lupus" by supporting innovative novel research, patient services, education and awareness.
As Master of Ceremonies, comedian and writer Jeremy Pinsly brought the story of lupus to life blending humor with hopeful inspiration. Dressed in summer whites, guests grooved to music provided by New York's premier DJ, DJ One Love. Musicians Queen Rose and HBO Def Jam poet/singer Shanelle Gabriel treated the audience to soulful performances throughout the evening.
Shanelle Gabriel shared one of her own poems that powerfully expressed some of the feelings common among people fighting lupus. "Many of us look perfectly fine though we are physically suffering. I want others with lupus to know it's not a death sentence and that while you may not be able to do everything you'd like, it doesn't mean you won't be able to do something big with your life."
WWOR-TV's newscaster Brenda Blackmon attended with her daughter Kelly Dawn Kelly who has the disease. Addressing the crowd, Brenda emphasized the importance of fundraising to support lupus research. "There are talented scientists so close to a real breakthrough in lupus; when all it takes is dollars to keep going, how can we not provide them with the funding?"
Held at the trendy Manhattan club Tenjune, "Wear White for the Fight" featured a silent auction and luxury raffle. The event was made possible with the help of many sponsors, generously donating food, beverages and raffle prizes. The Young Leaders, comprised of more than 30 volunteers, many of whom live with lupus, were primarily responsible for organizing the event.
Chairman of the Young Leaders, Adrienne Lynch commented, "Many of our guests are not here because of lupus but to have a great time. But amidst all the fun, we are also educating young people about a disease that primarily strikes young women so more will learn the symptoms and better understand how it can affect someone they know."
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a chronic, complex and serious autoimmune disease affecting more than 1.5 million Americans. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that attack the body's own tissues and organs -- the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints. Lupus is difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, and a leading cause of premature cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke among young women.
Formed over 40 years ago, the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation leads the nation in providing direct patient services, education, public awareness, as well as funding for innovative lupus research on the national level. The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is a member of the Lupus Research Institute National Coalition of patient groups throughout the country.
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