Overview:
The Lawndale community joined thousands of others across the nation this past weekend for the annual Lupus Walk. Hosted by Ja’Vonda Jones, the event combined music, dancing, and symbolic butterfly releases with a powerful message: supporting those living with lupus. Presence News author Maria Cornejo attended the event, which highlighted both joy and unity while raising awareness for a serious autoimmune disease.
By Maria Cornejo | Presence News
Lawndale, CA – This past weekend, the Lawndale community painted the streets purple for the annual Lupus Walk, a nationwide event dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those living with lupus. Hosted by Ja’Vonda Jones, the event brought together neighbors, families, and organizations in a celebration of strength, solidarity, and hope.
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own healthy tissues and organs. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells. Symptoms often include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and organ complications. Because lupus can look different in every person and flare up unpredictably, it is often called an “invisible illness.”
Raising awareness is vital, as lupus disproportionately affects women of color and is frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Walks like this one give communities a chance to show support while funding research and education.
The Walk in Lawndale
Participants signed in at the check-in tables, many of them having registered online beforehand. Each walker received a bag filled with event goodies before heading out for the mile-long walk through Lawndale’s sidewalks, which were decorated with signs promoting lupus awareness.
The event was filled with joyful energy. Music played from the DJ booth, kids danced freely, and families waved purple decorations. Local business Just Dance Studio (@jdcdanceco), owned by Ja’Vonda Jones of Gardena, California, performed energetic routines, adding to the upbeat atmosphere.
One touching moment was the butterfly release before the walk began. Each participant received a small purple packet containing a live butterfly. As the community opened them together, butterflies fluttered into the air—some hesitantly, others soaring—a symbolic gesture of hope, renewal, and freedom.
Walkers wore custom shirts, sold at the event for $23, with the slogan: “Their Fight is My Fight.” After completing the walk, participants cheered, exchanged high-fives, and celebrated with smiles and dancing.
A National Movement
The Lupus Walk is held in cities and towns across the United States every year. Each walk represents a local commitment to a national cause, raising funds for lupus research, treatment, and community support services. Events like the one in Lawndale ensure that those affected by lupus feel seen, supported, and empowered.
For many, the walk was more than an event—it was a day to stand together, spread awareness, and show those battling lupus that they are never alone.
Sources:
- Lupus Foundation of America – www.lupus.org
- Event reporting by Maria Cornejo, Presence News
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