‘Walk to End Lupus Now’ inspires hope

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Battling lupus is tough. It’s a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. 

Cities across Ohio are working to raise awareness and funds through “Walk to End Lupus Now” events, and Saturday was Columbus’ turn. 

What You Need To Know

• Cities across Ohio are working to raise awareness and funds through “Walk to End Lupus Now” events
• Rosie Chapman, a lupus survivor, participated in Columbus’ “Walk to End Lupus Now”
• Chapman was diagnosed with lupus when she was 23

Despite her battle with lupus, Rosie Chapman will be joining the walk this year. 

She first was diagnosed when she was 23. 

“It was really lonely,” she said. “I had a hard time with it.”

Lupus has brought on several health issues for Chapman, and she almost died because of it. 

“I almost lost all of my hair for a while. I’ve had tons of joint issues,” Chapman said.

But she’s thankful for the life she has, hoping to inspire other survivors along the way. 

“Yes, it’s hard,” she said. “Yes, sometimes it feels like it just completely beats you down. But you are never down. You are never out as long as you’re breathing.”

Proceeds from the walk supports lupus research and programs. 

Chapman and her friends have helped raise $3,000 for the walk.