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Sister plans to walk to honor sister lost to Lupus
For Leah Ross and her family, walking in Saturday's fourth annual Walk for Lupus Now event is personal.
Ross is hosting a team in memory of her sister, Heidi Ross, who passed away from complications of Lupus in 1998 at age 17.
Heidi was 17 when she died on July 25, 1998. She was a student at South Putnam High School, where she was a three-sport athlete and a member of the National Honor Society. She was a member of 4-H, and showed chickens and goats at the Putnam County 4-H Fair.
Ross said Heidi was an outstanding member of the community and popular student-athlete at South Putnam High School.
"This would be a great way for others to show support to my parents and the people who still fight to find a cause and a cure for lupus," Leah Ross said.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the body's cells and tissues, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage. It can affect any part of the body, but most often harms the joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system.
Individuals can go to the main website and search for Leah's team, Heidi's Team, or can look up her name to join her in her effort. Walking 1 or 3 miles is free and there will also be a silent auction.
"Walk for Lupus Now of Central Indiana" is a half-day event with activities planned for the whole family. Walkers can stroll through Central Park's flat greenway, which is both stroller and wheelchair friend ly.
The event is scheduled to go on rain or shine; the walk will move indoors if the weather is bad.
"People from all different walks of life will unite under one purpose -- to provide hope for a cure and to raise essential funds for research, education and support services in Central Indiana," according to the event's flyer.
Check-in for the event starts at 9 a.m. with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. at the Monon Community Center, 1195 Central Park Drive West in Carmel.
Participants can register online at www.walkforlupusnowci.kintera.org or call Leigh Hinkle, 317-506-5786