[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE ALLIANCE FOR LUPUS RESEARCH'S 10TH ANNUAL WALK WITH US 
                             TO CURE LUPUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2013

  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alliance for 
Lupus Research's tenth annual Walk With Us To Cure Lupus. Since its 
creation, Walk with Us To Cure Lupus has promoted awareness in our 
community and raised over one million dollars in support of medical 
research aimed at curing this disease.
  Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's immune 
system attacks normal, healthy tissues. The underlying causes are 
unknown, and there is no cure. This disease may cause damage to various 
parts of the body including skin, joints, and internal organs. As a 
chronic disease, those who suffer from lupus can endure months of 
symptoms that may reemerge as flares throughout their lives.
  It is estimated that over 1.5 million Americans have lupus, including 
100,000 people in my home state of Florida. The worldwide total is now 
over 5 million. It is important that we continue to support research to 
develop better treatments and find a cure, educate our friends, 
families, and health care professionals to improve diagnosis and 
treatment, and promote awareness of this disease and advocate on the 
behalf of those who are affected by it.
  I am especially proud of the many Floridians who have contributed to 
these efforts. In particular, I would like to recognize my good friend 
and the district director for Florida's 21st Congressional District, 
Wendi Lipsich. Wendi was diagnosed with lupus 25 years ago. While she 
is well-known for her energetic advocacy on behalf of seniors, 
children, and families throughout our community, she deserves special 
recognition today for her contribution to the Alliance for Lupus 
Research. Ten years ago, with the help of her friends Allison Rubin and 
Randy Netko, Wendi launched the first annual Walk With Us To Cure Lupus 
event in South Florida. Eight hundred people attended the first walk in 
2004 and raised $200,000. Each year since, hundreds of thousands of 
dollars have been raised exclusively for the purpose of research into 
curing lupus. In total, the Alliance for Lupus Research has committed 
$81 million to develop a greater understanding of this disease and find 
a cure.
  This weekend on March 3, 2013, hundreds of participants will join 
together at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida to walk 
together in support of lupus research. I commend all of the 
participants and donors that will make the tenth annual Walk With Us To 
Cure Lupus a success. Congratulations to Wendi, Allison, and the other 
organizers of this year's walk. Together, you are providing hope to the 
millions of families touched by lupus and bringing our nation closer to 
finally discovering a cure.

                          ____________________