NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — For many, a walk is just a walk. But for the participants of the Social Butterflies Foundation’s annual event, each step taken symbolizes a stride toward greater awareness and understanding of lupus and fibromyalgia.
On Saturday, the nonprofit organization will host its annual Butterfly Walk for Lupus & Fibro from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton. Registration is a $35 donation and it includes a t-shirt.
What makes this year's walk different and even more special is that it will be held indoors. This was decided in an effort to protect survivors and their loved ones.
"The sun is not our friend. It can cause us to go into a flare. Feel real exhausted. And our exhausted is not like an average person's exhausted," said CEO Chastity Corbett.
Corbett and the 2024 Grand Marshal, Delegate Jackie Hope Glass sat down with us to talk about the disease and upcoming event.
Corbett explained that lupus is an autoimmune illness in which your body attacks yourself.
"So, at any given time, whenever it feels like it, it could attack your skin, lungs, kidneys, brain, blood, anything," Corbett said.
Glass added that whereas lupus is more heard of, fibromyalgia is not quite as understood.
She explained that "It's a widespread pain where your nerves are very hyperactive."
Saturday's walk will not only help raise money for the organization but also awareness for the disease.
There will be several honorees including Doctor Elizabeth Clayton who does a lot of work with patients and a veteran in his 80s who is struggling with lupus. Special hosts include Oshea Russell and Michael Boulware from "All the Queen's Men."
So far, the organization has raised $17,830 out of its $25,000 goal.
To learn more visit www.butterflywalkforlupusandfibro.org.
WATCH NEXT: