BLAINE, Minn. – (May 5, 2016) – Worldwide it is estimated that 5 million people are affected by some type of Lupus. Lupus primarily affects women and is very difficult to diagnosis. There is no simple test for Lupus. It is an autoimmune disease that can manifest itself in many different ways.
A local woman has made it part of her life’s mission to pull back the curtain on this lesser know disease and fight for an answer for those suffering from this chronic condition. “I started this event because I have Lupus and I wanted to raise some money for research to help find a cure,” said Regan Birr of Lupus Spiel USA.
To that end, three years ago Regan started a charity curling tournament as a fundraiser for Lupus. The tournament brought in Olympian and world champion curlers from across North America to compete along side amateurs.
“It’s a pro-am curling tournament, the largest of its kind in the U.S. where we pair together amateur curlers with either Olympians or world caliber curlers,” said Birr. The tournament raised $23,000 in its first year. Last year that number went up to $34,000. And this year they have their sights set even higher. “We’re hoping to raise $50,000,” said Birr. The money raised goes directly to Lupus research. “The money is going to Lupus research, every dollar. Our beneficiary this year is the Mayo Clinic, specifically for Lupus research,” said Birr.
The 2016 Lupus Spiel will take place, May 13-15 at the Four Seasons Curling Club in Blaine. The entire event is open to the public to come and watch some of the top curlers in the world team up with local amateurs. For more information click here.
