General Walk Questions

What is lupus?
Lupus is an under-recognized, life threatening autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system becomes overactive, attacking healthy tissues and vital organs such as kidneys, heart and lungs. Lupus is most common in women of childbearing age, but also afflicts men and children.

Symptoms vary from each person and can include extreme fatigue, painful joints, swollen feet and legs, and chest pains. There is no cure for lupus. Lupus can be controlled, but people die every year from complications of the disease. Lupus also impacts nine times more women than men, often in the prime of their lives, between the ages of 15 and 45 years.

It is important to know that while lupus can be a serious condition, in most cases it can be treated and controlled. One of the challenges is that it can take several years to diagnose and to determine the appropriate treatment. Lupus often goes in cycles, with periods of time in which symptoms may disappear completely. Diagnosis and treatment are improving, allowing people with lupus to live increasingly active and productive lives.
What is Walk for Lupus Ontario?
Walk for Lupus is Lupus Ontario’s largest provincial fundraising and awareness event. It began over 20-years ago with a single walk (previously Walk a Block) and has grown into an event involving thousands of participants throughout Ontario. With COVID-19 guidelines, the Walk has transitioned to a virtual space. This mean that you can walk, run, cycle, dance, do yoga, …whatever you choose to do to increase lupus awareness and raise funds for lupus research, support and education programs. We hope to hold physical Walks in the near future, when guidelines permit.
Who is Lupus Ontario?
Lupus Ontario is a team of caring and enthusiastic volunteers and staff who are passionately committed to helping those with lupus live longer and better by raising funds that deliver vital support, education, awareness and research. For more information about Lupus Ontario please visit www.lupusontario.org
When does Walk for Lupus Ontario take place?
This year, Lupus Ontario has set a date of August 21, 2021 throughout the province to partake in the Walk for Lupus Ontario. Feel free to participate at any time that is convenient for you.

Walk for Lupus typically takes place during the months of May to September. Should you wish to organize a walk please contact Lupus Ontario at info@lupusontario.org, 905-415-1099 or toll free 1-877-240-1099.
How do I register for a walk location?
To participate in a Walk, click on the Walk Location of your choice and then select if you want to be a Team Captain, a participant on a team, or fundraise as an individual.
How do I support a participant or a team?
Click on “Participant” or “Team” and then search for the participant’s name or team name which you wish to support.
Is there a minimum I must raise to participate in the Walk?
There is no minimum amount you need to raise to participate in Walk for Lupus Ontario. However, we do encourage a goal of $100 or more. Since this is the 20^th anniversary of the Walk, we suggest encouraging donations of at least $20.
How do I organize a walk?
Contact Lupus Ontario for assistance at info@lupusontario.org, 905-415-1099 or toll free 1-877-240-1099.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee for the Virtual Walk for Lupus Ontario. We do encourage you to donate to your personal fundraising campaign to encourage others to participate.
Is there a rain date for the walk?
An in-person Walk for Lupus takes place rain or shine. The beauty of a Virtual Walk is that it can take place when you want, where you want and how you want. Weather is not a determining factor in this case.
What is a personal fundraising page?
It is your public fundraising page on the Walk for Lupus Ontario website and your best tool to help you promote your participation and fundraising on behalf of the Walk for Lupus Ontario campaign.
I am having issues with the Walk for Lupus Ontario website
Please contact info@lupusontario.org or call 1-877-240-1099 / 905-415-1099
Why should I encourage donors to donate online?
When donors make their donations online, they receive an instant tax receipt and thank you email. The donation amount shows immediately on your fundraising page and you do not have to worry about handling cash, cheques or credit card information. Online donations save processing time in the office. This allows Lupus Ontario to spend more time and money on our programs
I made a donation online but have not received a tax receipt, what do I do?
Contact Lupus Ontario at 1-877-240-1099 / 905-415-1099 or email info@lupusontario.org
Where does my donation go?
We pride ourselves on our transparency, so please visit www.lupusontario.org/financial-information/ for more information about where funds raised are allocated.