As Lupus Awareness Month continues to draw attention to a disease that disproportionately affects women and communities of color, a community event in Baltimore is bringing residents together to support research, raise awareness, and honor those living with the condition.

The Lupus 5K Run & Walk, scheduled for June 6 at Forest Park High School, will raise funds for lupus research while creating an opportunity for families, advocates, healthcare leaders, and community members to learn more about a disease that remains widely misunderstood despite its significant impact. The event is organized by lupus advocate and Health Champion Jermaine Lemon and is being held in partnership with the National Minority Quality Forum, COMMS, and Forest Park High School.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, causing inflammation throughout the body. The disease can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain, and symptoms often vary from person to person. Because symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, lupus can be difficult to diagnose, sometimes leaving patients searching for answers for years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 people in the United States are estimated to have systemic lupus erythematosus, the most common form of the disease. Women account for approximately 90 percent of lupus cases.

For communities of color, the burden of lupus is particularly severe. The CDC reports that Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous and Alaska Native populations are affected at higher rates than White populations. Black women are two to three times more likely than White women to develop lupus and often experience more severe disease and poorer health outcomes. Research from CDC-funded lupus registries has also found that lupus prevalence is highest among Black women in the United States.

Health experts say awareness remains critical because early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce complications and improve quality of life. The CDC notes that while there is no cure for lupus, medications, regular medical care, and lifestyle management can help control symptoms and prevent long-term organ damage.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has highlighted the significant impact lupus has on women, particularly African American women, who face higher rates of disease and lupus-related mortality. More than half of people with lupus also develop kidney complications, making access to specialized care and early intervention especially important.

Community events such as the Baltimore 5K are increasingly being recognized as important tools for addressing both awareness and health equity. By bringing residents together in a supportive environment, organizers hope to encourage conversations about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the importance of ongoing research. The event also serves as an opportunity to recognize the experiences of individuals and families navigating the physical, emotional, and financial challenges associated with chronic illness.

Participants of all ages are expected to take part in the run and walk, with proceeds supporting lupus research efforts aimed at improving treatments and outcomes for patients. Organizers say the event is designed not only to raise funds but also to foster a sense of community among those affected by the disease.

As lupus continues to affect thousands of Americans each year, particularly women and communities of color, advocates say public awareness remains one of the most powerful tools for driving change. Events such as the Lupus 5K Run & Walk help bring visibility to a disease that is often overlooked while supporting research that could lead to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and improved quality of life for future generations. For many participants, the event is more than a race—it is a chance to stand in solidarity with the millions of people worldwide living with lupus and to help advance the search for answers.