US – Lupus Walk / Run In Chicago On June 11, 2016

A walk / run event was held June 11, 2016 at Chicago’s Foster Beach, to help raise funds for the Chicago Alliance for Lupus Research and the many people suffering from Lupus.

Alliance For Lupus Research Event Grounds

It was a hot, busy day for RRT. Arriving on scene for their shift at about 7 am, they found the organizers in a bit of a bind as their rental tents were in a truck stalled on the highway and half their volunteer staff had cancelled due to the extreme heat! Not to worry, RRT reassured them that their volunteers would pick up the pace and help them make up lost time. RRT immediately set to work getting the food and drink ready for the day by slicing hundreds of bagels and hauling ample water and ice.

RRT Volunteers Assisting With Registration

When registration opened, the day kicked off. Many brave persons came out to beat the heat and Lupus, including several suffering the disease themselves. It was interesting to hear that extreme heat takes an extra toll on those affected with Lupus, yet they stuck it out at the event.

Morning Yoga – The Warrior pose

With registration underway, the day’s events started coming together. There was a fun t-shirt contest for the team that had the most creative tees as well as a specialized yoga session to help the walkers stretch. Then the music changed as Joffrey Ballet did a quick performance. The Zumba class unfortunately had to be cancelled, it was just too hot!

T-Shirt contest Stars – “I’m A Overcomer”

When it was time for the walk to begin, the walkers lined up in the in the grassy area ready to break the ribbon! The ribbon was cut and they flooded onto the path in all their purple attire!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

With the walk underway, the water station and course marshals went into action. Helping keep those on the walk hydrated was an important task, along with helping direct them on the course.

Walkers Along The Course

While the walk was underway, back at the “village” volunteers prepped large buckets of ice water to be ready for their return.

Volunteers Serving Water To Those Returning From The Walk

Once all the walkers were back from the walk, they enjoyed a quick hot dog roast, while the volunteers kept the cold water flowing. 1,000 bottles of water and 100 bags of ice later, the 100^o F Event was complete! Packing up was quick and easy with so many volunteers and they parted soon after with many words of praise and thanks from Joanna (the event’s organizer)!

She also sent RRT this special message; “Once again I want to thank you for all your team help this Saturday.  YOU ARE  GUYS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.You are the most committed, organized and hard working group I have ever come across. As I mentioned,  I had RRT at my other events, and every time I feel so blessed to have you guys. I truly could not do this event without you!!!! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I’d be more than happy to volunteer and help at your events anytime you need help. Once again THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS TO ALL THE PEOPLE FROM RAPID RELIEF GROUP.” – Joanna Zelkowska.

Thank you Joanna! You are truly an inspiration to the volunteers!

The Rapid Relief Team – Clean up time!