Can you fight the disease Lupus in only 45 minutes? Members of the UMass Boston chapter of Delta Sigma Pi think they can. On Sunday, September 16th, they are participating in a fundraising walkathon along the Charles River, the 15th Annual Lupus Walk.

Lupus is an insidious autoimmune disease affecting over 500,000 people each year, and there is no cure at this time. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, joint pain, anemia, and a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks, as the body produces antibodies that attack its own organs. It is neither contagious nor infectious, but can be fatal without proper treatment.

Xi Phi, UMass Boston’s Delta Sigma Pi chapter, has set a challenge to raise funds while promoting awareness of Lupus. The walkathon will take place rain or shine (register by 9:30 AM and the walk starts at 10 AM). It is a 3-mile walk along the Charles River that begins and ends at the MDC Park on Soldiers Field Road across from WBZ-TV in Brighton.

“Simply being present is a great display of support and unity of UMB,” said Susan E. Coughlin, an alumnus of both UMass Boston and Delta Sigma Pi, and Lupus Walk College Challenge Coordinator. Walkers will raise money to benefit Lupus research, “network with students from other schools, display UMB pride, get in a little exercise and have the opportunity to win some great prizes.”

The Xi Phi team is walking in memory of a UMB student with Lupus who passed away. They invite all students to join their College Challenge team. For more information about lupus or the contest, contact Sue Coughlin at [email protected].