A community walk this weekend is raising awareness and aims to bring more resources to Southeast Texas. The Walk to End Lupus Now is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at Tyrell Park.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself, which can be difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat. Many people with lupus also deal with other underlying conditions, including arthritis and neuropathy. Lupus is diagnosed more often in women of color, although men can get it, too.

Advocates said diagnosis often requires seeing a rheumatologist, and a lack of specialists locally can mean patients have to travel to larger cities such as Houston for care. Organizers said the walk is aimed at raising money to help bring more resources closer to where patients live.

Jessica Buchanan, who is helping lead the local effort, said she was diagnosed with lupus 15 years ago while in the military after her health suddenly declined. She said she passed out at the beach, was taken to a local hospital and learned she had lupus. Buchanan said the diagnosis upended her career plans and forced her to start over. She emphasized that lupus symptoms are not always visible.

“I was told I couldn’t have kids. I was told that I wouldn’t live to see 40,” Buchanan said. “Now I’m a year and a month away from being at 40 and I have a six-year-old.”

Organizers said earlier diagnosis is becoming more common, including among teenagers. Buchanan said a young “warrior” participating this year — about 14 or 15 years old — was recently diagnosed and continues to play volleyball while managing treatment.

Chelsee Gatlin, the Kids R Kids director, said she learned more about lupus through Buchanan, who is a family friend. Gatlin encourages people to come out to learn more about lupus, raise awareness and support those living with the disease.

The event is family-friendly and will include a kids zone with bounce houses, face painting and hands-on activities, along with a dance party after the walk. Participants will also take time to remember people who have died from the disease.

Register for the Walk to End Lupus Now online at lupustexas.org/walk-to-end-lupus-now, or at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at Tyrell Park.