Article by Cassandra McMillan:
An autoimmune disease experienced by at least five million people worldwide: lupus. The incurable illness is caused when the immune system attacks its own tissue. With Lupus, it may be difficult to participate in desired activities, but that didn’t stop Meredith Kass ’19, as she competed in the National Cheer Competition, exactly 10 months after her diagnosis of Lupus. As an honors student and varsity cheerleader, Meredith strived for a comeback, succeeding as the Varsity Cheer Team placed 14th in the nation! Meredith lives on as Lupus fighter with family, teammates, classmates, and friends at her side.\
On October 21, the Varsity Dance Team and Cheer Program of Kellenberg walked by her side along the 25th annual 5k Walk-Along for Lupus. Located at Eisenhower Park, a variety of groups gathered from across Long Island all taking the same steps for the same reason. Dance team member, Emma Wischerth ’19, explains, “People from all over Long Island came together for one common cause, showing the beauty of the moment as a whole.”
As each volunteer happily walked the 3.2 miles, we were accompanied by performers walking with participants for all 25 years. “Each person in attendance had their own story,” Dancer, Kelly McCutchan ’19 and I believe that is the most beautiful fact about the event. No matter where you came from, why you came, what your connection was, everyone supported each other with the sole purpose to conquer Lupus. This autoimmune disease can be beaten. As we keep hope for a cure, those living with Lupus will keep thriving.