I have a close friend who suffers from lupus, so I am especially pleased that the New York Jets will be holding a 5k walk to help find a cure for this terrible disease.
The walk, which will be held on Saturday, May 12, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J, is expected to raise funds for the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR), a voluntary health organization whose mission is to find better treatments and ultimately prevent and cure systemic lupus erythematosus by supporting medical treatments.
Here's a look at the top five reasons to participate in the walk:
1) Help Raise Money For A Great Cause
According to a PubMed Health report, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the United States have some form of lupus, so it definitely affects many people. People who have lupus suffer from all kinds of awful symptoms, including fatigue, general discomfort, chest pains, mouth sores, hair loss and nausea, just to name a few.
The money raised from the walk on May 12 will be used for the Alliance for Lupus Research, to support medical treatments for those who suffer from the disease.
2) Exercise And Lose Weight
Walking is healthy, and livestrong.com reports that the average 180 pound person burns close to 300 calories in a 5k run.
3) Meet NFL Stars
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is the National Walk Chairman, and Jets' general manager Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan will be Honorary Walk Chairman for the event.
Additionally, the newyorkjets.com report on the walk states that special appearances will be made by New York Jets players and alumni.
They haven't yet disclosed which players will be making appearances, but I would bet on some top stars to turn up for the event. Chances are likely pretty good that you'll be able to meet some current and former Jets' stars, and go home with a few autographs in tow.
4) Free Entertainment and Refreshments
Besides special appearances by Jets players, coaches and alumni, there will be refreshments and entertainment for all to enjoy.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk is at 10 a.m. To join the Jets team or to find out more information about the event, please visit walk.lupusresearch.org/goto/nyjets.
5) Getting Outside On A Warm Summer Day
By all accounts, the weather in East Rutherford, NJ, is expected to be bright and sunny on the morning of May 12.
What better way to kick off the summer than to spend a day with fellow New York Jets fans, while helping a great cause?
Eric Holden is a lifelong New York Jets fan. Follow him on Twitter @ericholden.
