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The Coastal Bend community gathers in a vibrant display of support and solidarity for those impacted by the chronic autoimmune disease lupus.Corpus Christi Today
The Coastal Bend community in Corpus Christi, Texas came together at Cole Park Pier to participate in a walk supporting lupus patients, raising awareness, and honoring those impacted by the disease. The event brought together friends, families, and even pets wearing purple to show their support.
Why it matters
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be difficult to diagnose and manage, and the Coastal Bend region has a high number of lupus patients but limited access to specialized medical care. Events like this walk help build a supportive community for those affected by lupus and raise awareness of the challenges they face.
The details
Organizers said the walk was an opportunity for the community to come together and show their support for lupus patients. Many participants shared personal stories, including Pauline Sepulveda, who walked in memory of her daughter who died from the disease. Lupus survivor Ruby Rodriguez said the event helped her feel less alone in her diagnosis.
The walk took place on April 11, 2026 at Cole Park Pier in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The players
Pauline Sepulveda
A community member who walked in memory of her daughter who died from lupus.
Ruby Rodriguez
A lupus survivor who attended the event and said it helped her feel less alone in her diagnosis.
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What they’re saying
“Go check yourself so you can get the medication and the help you need because you can live with it, but you need to take care of yourself.”
— Pauline Sepulveda
“It felt really good to know you’re not alone in this. It’s not as lonely as it appears to be.”
— Ruby Rodriguez, Lupus Survivor
The takeaway
This event demonstrates the power of community support and awareness-raising efforts for those affected by chronic and often misunderstood diseases like lupus. By coming together, the Coastal Bend community is helping to destigmatize lupus and provide vital resources and emotional support for patients and their loved ones.