“Walk a Mile; Help a Million”

Newswise — Washington, D.C., July 20, 2015 – Fifty million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases. The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) will host its 4th Annual Washington, D.C. Metro Walk to raise awareness and funding for critical research on Saturday, August 1, at McLean Central Park (1468 Dolley Madison Boulevard) in McLean, Va. Walkers from throughout the D.C. Metro area will gather at the gazebo at 10 a.m. and walk in honor and support of family members, friends and colleagues combating autoimmune diseases.

“AARDA Autoimmune Walks have not only proven to be instrumental in raising funds for autoimmune research but they are also helpful in linking patients, families, supporters, advocates and other stakeholders together for a shared cause,” says Virginia T. Ladd, president and executive director. “The camaraderie and synergy that occurs is just tremendous.”

AARDA’s mission is to eradicate autoimmune diseases, improve treatment options, and provide information, support and hope to patients and families through research, education, community programs and advocacy. Autoimmune diseases encompass more than 100 diseases and have a detrimental effect on the lives of 50 million people nationwide.

To register for the Walk, make a donation or for more details, please visit AutoimmuneWalk.org. To become a Walk sponsor, email [email protected].

The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) is the nation’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing a national focus to autoimmunity as a category of disease and a major women’s health issue and promoting a collaborative research effort in order to find better treatments and a cure for all autoimmune diseases. To learn more, go to www.aarda.org.

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