Steelers tackle Kelvin Beachum served as the honorary chair of the Lupus Loop 5K Walk/Run/Skate/Dog Jog on Saturday at Station Square, an event that has personal meaning for him.
Beachum's mother, Culetta, has lupus and Beachum wants to do his part to help the cause.
"It's a way to give back," said Beachum, whose mother and grandmother attended the walk. "It's a great cause. It's a disease that is affecting a lot of people. Bringing awareness to it and raising money for it is important.
"I am happy I am able to use my platform to impact people in any way that I can."
Beachum said his mother is doing well fighting the disease, not having to be on medication for the past year, and remaining very active. He is encouraged to see others with the disease staying active as well, many of them participating in the walk themselves.
"I think it's very important they are participating," said Beachum. "People that take part in the walk understand there are others suffering with it, people going through the same thing, families going through the same thing. To see others fighting the disease and participating in that way, they see the light at the end of the tunnel where others can get through it, have a good life and support each other."
Beachum encourages not just those with lupus, but friends and family members of those suffering from the disease to educate themselves as much as they can, and always be willing to give back. To learn more visit the Lupus Foundation.
