“Pearland in Purple” brings the first-ever lupus awareness walk to Brazoria County in partnership with the Lupus Foundation of America and the City of Pearland
Nationwide — Brazoria County is going purple. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., the Psi Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, will make history with Pearland in Purple: The Inaugural Brazoria County Lupus Walk—the first-ever lupus awareness walk in the county. The event will be held at Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Pkwy, Pearland, TX 77581, and will be presented in partnership with the Lupus Foundation of Texas and the City of Pearland.
The campaign has raised more than $11,000, surpassing its original goal, with support from 173 donors ahead of walk day. All funds raised will benefit the Lupus Foundation of Texas’ programs and services.
“This is something that our chapter truly sees value in, and we want to continue and grow it,” said Robin Burgess, president of the Psi Mu Omega Chapter. “In addition to raising money, we want the community to be informed about this disease. So many people are affected, and we want to uplift our local community by bringing this conversation right here to Brazoria County.”
“This walk is both a fundraiser and a tribute,” said Shaunte Cooper, chairman of the sorority’s Uplift Our Local Community Committee. “Several of our own chapter members have been personally affected by lupus. This is our way of honoring them and making sure no one in our community has to face this disease without support or awareness.”
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues, causing widespread inflammation and damage to multiple organ systems. An estimated 1.5 million Americans are living with lupus, and women, particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected. Despite its prevalence, lupus remains widely misunderstood and underfunded.
“Events like Pearland in Purple are essential,” says Anne Marie Blacketer, CEO of the Lupus Foundation of Texas. “They raise critical funds for research, education, and support services while creating visibility for a disease that is too often invisible. And perhaps, most important, they remind people living with lupus that they are not alone.”
For more information and to register, visit GiveButter.com/aka-psi-mu-omega-lupus-walk
About
The Lupus Foundation of America –Texas Gulf Coast Chapter is part of a national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. With help and support from informed volunteers, lupus medical experts, patients, and supporters, the Lupus Foundation of America — Texas Gulf Coast Chapter strives to support research and education programs so everyone affected by lupus can have an improved quality of life; provide information to ensure people with lupus and their families have access to answers, and health professionals are knowledgeable in diagnosing and managing the disease; and support community outreach to increase awareness of lupus and its impact, improve public support of those affected by lupus, and advocate on their behalf. To learn more, visit www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast
PRESS CONTACT:
Laura Frnka-Davis
LFD Communications for Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter
346-388-3797 office
713-409-1480 cell
laura@lfdcommunications.com