Thank You 2018 Half-Marathon Team – Life Without Lupus!
March 19, 2018
The Lupus Research Alliance Team Life Without Lupus made a run for it this weekend at the United Airlines NYC Half! Over the past nine years, Team Life Without Lupus has raised over $1 million!
We thank this determined team for the thousands of steps they took over the 13.1 mile route – every single one brings us closer to our finish line – A Life Without Lupus!
The mighty half-dozen is made up of passionate individuals determined to make a difference not only for themselves, but also in the lives of their mothers, friends and the entire community.
This year’s top fundraiser is Jenna Riepepe who has raised thousands to fund scientific study through the Lupus Research Alliance
Jenna explains, “I chose to run with the Team life without Lupus because it’s something very close to me. I was diagnosed with lupus at 20. For the past seven years I’ve been truly blessed and have been able to live a healthy and active lifestyle. I decided to run the NYC Half to prove to myself and other people living with lupus that an illness does not define you. I’ve learned a lot about myself during these past months of training. One thing being that strength does not come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you thought you once couldn’t.”
Shanelle Gabriel, who has been living with lupus for 14 years, is running to raise awareness and funds for the disease.
“I’m running for Team Life Without Lupus in celebration of what my body can do even while battling lupus,” commented Shanelle. “I’m also running in honor of those struggling with lupus who are unable to do so themselves. The Lupus Research Alliance is one of the leading funders of lupus research. Every dime I raise goes straight to fund research since their Board pays for all overhead costs.”
For runners who want twice the challenge, join Team Life Without Lupus this fall for the full 2018 TCS New York City Marathon. We have spots, team training, social events and great gear! Learn More.
All our runners are an inspiration to us – to keep putting one foot in front of the other to make strides in lupus research – to keep moving toward Life Without Lupus!
