Latest news with #LupusResearchAlliance
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Super Bowl Champion Willie Colon Drives Discovery at 2025 Annual Lupus Research Alliance Golf Fundraiser
Over 300 attendees raised $450,000 to fuel research breakthroughs for those living with lupus SUMMIT, N.J., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance, the world's largest private funder of lupus research, partnered with Super Bowl Champion and current Fox Sports 1 co-host Willie Colon on the 11th Annual Willie Colon Golf Outing – raising an incredible $450,000 for lupus research. The sold-out event on June 23 brought together over 300 golfers in honor of Colon's late mother Jean Davis, who had lupus, a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide. To date, the event has raised nearly $3 million to help the LRA fund and fuel innovative breakthroughs that aim to improve the lives of those living with lupus. "Eleven years ago, my family chose to partner with the Lupus Research Alliance with this golf outing – all in the hopes of supporting lupus research that can improve treatments and find a cure," said Colon, a long-time and highly committed LRA board member. "Although my mother died before a cure was discovered, I have confidence that future generations will benefit from the research the LRA is funding now. While no one individual, no one family, and no one organization can conquer lupus, together we can, and we will." A host of sports stars joined Colon, the former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets lineman, aiming to score a hole-in-one for lupus research. Those in attendance included Craig Carton (FS1), Greg Giannoti (WFAN), Brian Custer (ESPN), and Connor Hughes (SNY). Former New York Jets players in attendance include Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brandon Marshall, David Harris, Erik Coleman, Fred Baxter, Dave Szott, Matt Simms, and Chris Ivory. Other sports celebrities supporting the event include Darnell Stapleton (Pittsburgh Steelers), Brandon Hunt (Las Vegas Raiders), Adalius Thomas (Baltimore Ravens), Kendall Simmons (Pittsburgh Steelers), Chris Canty (New York Giants), and Mike Adams (Carolina Panthers). At the event, Colon thanked the five chairs who helped organize the outing -- Xavier V. Goss, at (Capital Group), Ted Knauss (The PNC Financial Services Group), Daniel LaVecchia (Cantor Fitzgerald), Nidhi Patel (BlackRock), and Julius D. Williams (Invesco). Thanks also went to primary sponsors: Tito's Handmade Vodka, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and the Willie and Aikisha Colon Foundation. About Lupus Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In lupus, the immune system, meant to defend against infections, produces autoantibodies that mistake the body's own cells as foreign, causing other immune cells to attack organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and skin, as well as blood and joints. Ninety percent of people with lupus are women, most often diagnosed between the ages of 15-45. Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander people are disproportionately affected by lupus and more likely to experience severe lupus symptoms. About the Lupus Research AllianceThe Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus research, fostering scientific talent, and driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and, ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs. For more information or to donate to lupus research, visit the LRA at and on social media at: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lupus Research Alliance Spearheads Groundbreaking Lupus Nexus Foundational Analyses to Accelerate Personalized Lupus Treatments and a Cure
Largest private funder of lupus research initiates major efforts to integrate numerous biospecimen analyses with clinical data and patient-reported outcomes to accelerate lupus research NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) today announced the launch of the Lupus Nexus Foundational Analyses, a major scientific initiative aimed at creating one of the most comprehensive and accessible lupus research datasets ever assembled. This effort will generate numerous molecular datasets using biospecimens collected through the Lupus Landmark Study, a key component of the Lupus Nexus. These molecular datasets, integrated with robust clinical data, including both clinician- and patient-reported outcomes, represent a first for a private nonprofit in the lupus research space. Lupus is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and presents differently in each individual. Despite decades of research, major gaps remain in understanding the heterogeneity of lupus, which has limited the development of personalized treatments. To help address these gaps, the LRA launched the Lupus Nexus in 2023, a unique registry, biorepository, and information exchange platform called the DREAM (Data Repository, Exchange and Analytics platforM) to catalyze research and accelerate precision medicine in lupus. The Foundational Analyses comprise the next major milestone in the Lupus Nexus program and are being conducted in collaboration with Azenta, Cmbio (formerly known as CosmosID), iRepertoire, LabCorp, MitogenDx/University of Calgary, Sano Genetics, and Standard BioTools. While individual analyses such as whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, proteomics, and microbiome profiling are well-established, the Lupus Nexus Foundational Analyses are notable for the integration of multiple high-impact, scientific data types with detailed clinician- and patient-reported outcomes. "The Foundational Analyses are a bold investment in the future of lupus research and a major milestone for the Lupus Nexus," said Devon Kelly, Director of the Lupus Nexus at the LRA. "By pairing molecular analyses with clinical context, we're giving scientists the tools they need to generate new hypotheses and ultimately drive meaningful breakthroughs for people living with lupus." The Foundational Analyses datasets will provide another layer of depth and value to the Lupus Nexus and will begin to be available through the DREAM by the end of 2025 with additional data releases in subsequent years. Researchers will have access to all raw data, those generated by the Foundational Analyses, as well as other data generated from the use of Lupus Nexus biospecimens to support custom studies and foster new discoveries. "The Lupus Nexus represents a transformative shift in how we approach both lupus research and care," said Virginia Pascual, M.D., Gale and Ira Drukier Director of Children's Health Research and Professor of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College. "Now, with the addition of Foundational Analyses, researchers will, for the first time, have access to molecular data integrated with real-world data. This will help us understand why lupus presents so differently from one patient to the next, and how we can begin to tailor treatments to individuals." Initial data from the Lupus Nexus will be presented at the 16th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LUPUS 2025) in Toronto on May 20, 2025 (abstract #PV153). For more information about the Lupus Nexus, visit About LupusLupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The immune system, which normally protects against infection, produces autoantibodies that mistakenly target the body's own tissues—leading to damage in the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, skin, blood, and joints. Lupus disproportionately affects women (90%), typically between ages 15 and 45, and has a higher prevalence and severity among Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander populations. About the Lupus Research AllianceThe Lupus Research Alliance is the world's largest non-governmental, nonprofit funder of lupus research. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative science, supporting research talent, and advancing discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments, and ultimately, a cure. Because all administrative and fundraising costs are covered by the Board of Directors, 100% of all donations go directly to support lupus research programs. To learn more or donate, visit and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Rebekah BarnesLupus Research AllianceRBarnes@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
01-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Lupus Research Alliance Takes Action for Lupus Awareness Month: Striving for a World Free of Lupus
NEW YORK, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This May, the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), the largest non-governmental private funder of lupus research, will shine a spotlight on lupus awareness and action as Lupus Awareness Month (LAM) kicks off. With a mission to educate, inspire, and connect, the LRA will lead efforts to raise awareness about lupus, empower individuals to take action, and unite the community. Lupus is a complex and often misunderstood autoimmune disease that impacts millions of people worldwide. In lupus, the immune system triggers attacks on the body's own cells, leading to inflammation and damage of vital organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and skin. Despite its widespread impact, the disease remains under-recognized. That's why this year's theme, 'Striving for a World Free of Lupus,' is a call to action for everyone to contribute in powerful ways to help eradicate lupus. Tremendous strides are well underway, but much work remains to be done to deliver much-needed individualized treatment options and ultimately, one day a cure. 'A world free of lupus is not just a vision — it's a goal we are working toward together,' said Albert T. Roy, President and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance. 'Through scientific innovation and collaboration, we can accelerate progress and achieve meaningful impact. Lupus Awareness Month is our opportunity to amplify this mission, inspire action, and engage the lupus community. Accelerating Lupus Research: Partnering to Broaden Awareness Ali Vanderloop, who has lupus, and her husband Ty Majeski, 2024 NASCAR Truck Series Champion, are teaming up with ThorSport Racing and the LRA to launch a month-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness and funds for lupus research. The Accelerating Lupus Research initiative will get into full gear at the Texas Motor Speedway during the NASCAR Truck Series race on May 2. Throughout the month, Ty will wear custom-designed race shoes representing the LRA and the fight against lupus. The shoes will later be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting LRA's efforts to find a cure. Educating About Lupus Throughout the month, the experiences of people living with lupus will be shared on the LRA digital platforms. The organization will share resources to raise awareness of the disease and the challenges it poses, featuring stories of accomplishments and opportunities that help achieve the ultimate goal – a world free of lupus. Everyone is encouraged to take part in this movement and let their voices be heard by using the new LRA Lupus Awareness Month Social Media Toolkit. The toolkit offers sample posts, images, and content that can be easily shared to raise awareness and show support. Special emphasis is placed on World Lupus Day (May 10), which brings global attention to the need for continued research and funding. The LRA is also excited to invite lupus supporters to participate in the Walk with Us to Cure Lupus events in New Jersey (May 17) and Michigan (June 14). These family-friendly events are designed to raise awareness, foster community connections, and fundraise for lupus research. Exploring New Frontiers in Lupus Treatment In a major educational effort, the LRA will host a virtual webinar May 1 in collaboration with Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the LRA. This session will focus specifically on T cell engagers, an emerging cell therapy. Driving Innovation: Scientific Collaboration The LRA is also facilitating important scientific discussions to push the boundaries of lupus research. This includes sponsoring a key session at the 16th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LUPUS 2025), where leading researchers will share groundbreaking findings and collaborate on new strategies for combating lupus. Advocating for Change: On Capitol Hill The LRA is amplifying its advocacy efforts with a briefing at the U.S. Capitol to engage Congress on key issues related to lupus and public health policy. This briefing will underscore the need for increased investments in lupus research and biomedical advancements, laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in treatment and care. About Lupus Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In lupus, the immune system, meant to defend against infections, produces autoantibodies that mistake the body's own cells as foreign, causing other immune cells to attack organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and skin, as well as blood and joints. Ninety percent of people with lupus are women, most often diagnosed between the ages of 15-45. Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander people are disproportionately affected by lupus and more likely to experience severe lupus symptoms. About the Lupus Research Alliance The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus research, fostering diverse scientific talent, and driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and, ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs. For more information or to donate to lupus research, visit the LRA at and on social media at: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance
