On the weekend of June 15 and June 16, yoga studios from across the metro New York City area will support the Lupus Foundation of America Northeast Region’s first annual Stretch to End Lupus.
Lupus has no known cause and no known cure, and affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans and five million people worldwide. Ninety-percent of those diagnosed with lupus are female and the disease is a leading cause of death in young women but often goes unreported. Despite its widespread prevalence, lupus research funding and awareness of its brutal impact remains low.
Low impact exercise and activities that reduce stress, including yoga, may help reduce the frequency of lupus flares. Stretch to End Lupus aims to promote exercise and increase awareness, while raising funds to end this cruel and mysterious disease.
The event, inspired by the LFA’s Young Leadership Committee, allows studios the flexibility of creating their own event. Studios can dedicate a portion of the proceeds from a class, a series of classes, or host a “purple pose” session to maximize their support. The Lupus Foundation will promote the participating studios and yogis will share their photos and experiences through-out the weekend.
Victoria Gibbs, Northeast Region Community Ambassador and Young Leadership Committee member shared, “Yoga has been a huge part of my life for the last six and a half years, and once I was diagnosed with lupus in June 2016, it became a lifeline. Whether I’m feeling good or bad, yoga has helped me to understand what is going on with my body. Ultimately, it’s my dream for those affected by lupus to truly understand the benefits of adding a consistent yoga practice in their life. For me, it’s made all of the difference.”
Studios that would like to participate can contact Monica Smith at 866-225-0348 or email infone@lupus.org.
About Lupus: Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive and can be fatal, yet research on lupus remains underfunded relative to diseases of similar scope and devastation.
About the Lupus Foundation of America: The Lupus Foundation of America is the only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitterand Facebook.
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