Pocono News Section

12th Annual Ski for Lupus Day Held at Elk Mountain

12th Annual Ski for Lupus Day Held at Elk Mountain - Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 10:20PM EST

UNIONDALE, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY- This weekend's snow storm made an annual event bigger and better than ever Sunday in Susquehanna County. At least 200 people came out to Elk Mountain for the 12th annual Ski for Lupus Day.

Janice Liddic of the Lupus Foundation said, “Lupus affects 10,000 families in NEPA and the Lupus foundation provides updated medical information, support groups and educational programs for families affected by Lupus."

As part of Ski for Lupus Day, tables were set-up at Elk Mountain Sunday to explain the condition. It’s an auto-immune disease where the body attacks itself, causing constant pain. Esther Axtell from Clarks Summit said, “I have a good family friend that has lupus, so we came out today to support the cause and hopefully raise some funds for them."

And Bill Blaum from Dalton added, “We think it’s an excellent cause. We think they do very good work. We think it’s an insidious disease."

A total of $5,000 was raised from Sunday's event. The money will all stay local. But what’s bigger is the awareness. Seth Hentges from Clarks Summit said, “I read a little bit about it online. I know it affects a lot of people. It’s a lousy thing to have, but hopefully we'll get some support here and maybe find a cure for it soon."

Until that day, skiers say they'll keep coming out year after year. They also this weekend's storm made conditions ideal. John Harrington from Dallas said, “The storm definitely helped out with the slopes, the conditions are fantastic out here at Elk."