Fun Run/Walk for Brett Hack Vasculitis Charities

Courtesy of Brett Hack Vasculitis Charities

Brett Hack Vasculitis Charities (BHVC) annual fundraiser supporting a better future for vasculitis patients begins at 9 a.m., on May 14, at Elm Creek Park Reserve, in Maple Grove. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet people living with vasculitis. All proceeds from this event go to patient advocacy, public awareness and education. BHVC is a nonprofit organization focusing on public awareness of vasculitis, and supporting patients with education.

Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that affects the blood vessels. When the blood vessels become inflamed, they can constrict and stop blood flow to vital organs or weaken and rupture, causing internal bleeding. If vasculitis is diagnosed before blood flow is constricted or blood vessels rupture, there is less risk to severe organ damage or death. Early diagnosis can save lives.

Vasculitis is difficult to diagnose because many symptoms mirror other more known diseases and conditions. Some symptoms include severe headaches, extreme fatigue, joint pain, sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, body rash, numbness and weakness in legs, feet, arms and hands and distorted vision. If these symptoms keep recurring or do not go away, there may be something more going on. Though there is no cure for vasculitis, patients can go into remission.

Cost: $15. Location: Elm Creek Park Reserve, 12400 James Deane Pkwy., Maple Grove. To register, visit RunSignUp.com/Race/MN/MapleGrove/BHVCFunRun or BHVCharities.org.