Students and faculty members from Kent State University’s College of Podiatric Medicine volunteered at the Cleveland Walk to End Lupus held at the Brecksville Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks on Sept. 28.
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks one’s own body as if it were an invading virus or bacteria. This leads to inflammation and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and the brain. Some of the most common symptoms include extreme fatigue, painful/swollen joints, including the many joints of the foot and ankle, unexplained fever, skin rashes and kidney problems. There is no cure for lupus.
The Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine offered health and wellness advice, foot screenings and evaluation/treatment of foot disorders for those who participated in the walk, as well as for other volunteers. The event was sponsored by the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter, to raise money for a cure.