LASCO iDrade Sport Drink and Go Run Running club have partnered to raise much-needed funds for the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica through a 5k Charity Breakfast Run tomorrow, starting at the Jamaica National (JN) Bank Half-Way Tree.

Aptly titled, LASCO iDrade Break of Dawn, the 5k walk and run will kick off at 6 a.m. at JN Bank using the Suthermere exit. The route continues with a right on to Parish Place, left on to Hope Road, left on to East Kings House Road, right on to Marley Road, right on too Hope Road, right on to Eastwood Park Road, right on to South Odeon Avenue and terminates at JN Bank.

The organisers of LASCO iDrade Break of Dawn are seeking to raise $500,000 to assist with improvements to the patient care services provided by the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica. In fact, with the funds anticipated from the Run, the foundation also hopes to boost its education programme for members and anyone who wishes to learn about the disease.

"I find that the everyday Jamaicans do not know what Lupus is," declared Dr Patrice Whitely, assistant secretary, Lupus Foundation of Jamaica.

"This support is an important step because it means that awareness is being increased and people are learning more about the disease. Education about Lupus is very crucial as the disease affects black women and in particular Caribbean women disproportionately. The interesting thing about Lupus is that it affects each patient differently."

Lupus is a disorder of the immune system, which primarily serves the purpose of defending our body against infections. In Lupus, the immune system becomes over-reactive and produces antibodies that damage normal, healthy cells. This in turn leads to disease of the organs to which the antibodies were directed.