Walkers follow the 2.2-mile trail around Gray's Lake in
Des Moines. Their balloons prove that they have already
been to see LuLu and LeRoy!



Clowns helped at Lupus Walk on Sept. 13
Sept. 13, 2008

Iowa's Second Annual Walk for Lupus Now on Saturday, Sept. 13 had some Montezuma representation.

LuLu and LeRoy, the Kingdom Klowns of Iowa, were there, making balloons. Their daughter, Amber (Brake) McDowell, was recently diagnosed with lupus and she and her group, Team McDowell, participated in the walk.

The event was held at Gray's Lake in Des Moines. The goal was to raise $40,000. The first event raised $22,000. Some 75 percent of the proceeds were to be directed to research, and the rest going to local awareness, education and support.
 


Here's the crowd that gathered at Gray's Lake to support
the annual walk for Lupus Now.

The walk followed a 2.2-mile course around the lake. There also was a silent auction.

Other activities included tatoos, face painting and music.

Donations are always appreciated. Make checks out to LFA, Iowa Chapter, Inc., and mail to P.O. Box 13174, Des Moines, Iowa 50310. Or, you can give them to Keith or Linda Brake. Be sure to put "Team McDowell" on your check.

Donations can also be submitted online at www.lupusia.walk.kintera.org. 

What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage skin, joints and organs - or any other part of the body.

Normally, the autoimmune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from foreign substances, like bacteria and viruses. With lupus, the autoimmune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and the body's healthy tissues and creates auto-antibodies to attack and destroy healthy tissue.

Auto-antibodies cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.

Lupus is also a disease of flares - the symptoms worsen and produce illness feelings - and remissions, when symptoms improve and a healthier feeling returns.

For more information, visit www.lupusia.walk.kintera.org or phone 515-279-3048.


Balloons, a banana and a morning at
Gray's Lake! What could be better than that?

Lupus Facts

• An estimated 1.5 million people are living with Lupus. This is one in 200 Americans.
• More than half of the people with Lupus suffer four or more years and visit three or more doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis.
• Late diagnosis and delayed treatment often contribute to significant tissue damage that may lead to organ failure, disability, or death.
• Based on a nationwide poll in April of 2005, two out of three Americans know little or nothing about Lupus.
• Although Lupus can occur at any age, and in either sex or any race - 90 percent of people with Lupus are women aged 15-45. It is also more common among African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asians.

 


LuLu and LeRoy visit with members of Team McDowell
prior to the walk. Our daughter, Amber, is to the right of
LeRoy in this pre-walk photo.

Montezuma Magazine is brought to you by LeRoy and LuLu, the Kingdom Klowns of Iowa. Visit our website at www.clownsiniowa.com and click on the 'Montezuma Magazine' tab.