Sept. 5, 2008

Chicago, Ill.- UIC head men's basketball coach Jimmy Collins will participate in the 7th Annual Chicago Walk for Lupus Now this Saturday, Sept. 6 at Grant Park from 9 a.m. until noon.

The festivities begin at the corner of Columbus and Balbo. Registration is $25 and benefits the Illinois Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.

Participants can choose from a one-mile or three-mile route. Entertainment, water, snacks and commemorative Walk for Lupus Now 2008 t-shirts will also be provided.

NBC 5's Dr. Sandy Goldberg and Ronald McDonald will also be on hand at Saturday's walk.

Collins' daughter, Erica, serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Chapter.

A Western Suburbs Walk for Lupus Now will also take place next Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Grand Pavilion-Naperville Riverwalk in Naperville, Ill. ESPN AM 1000's Dave Juday will emcee the Western Suburbs walk, and Chicago Wolves mascot Skates and Ronald McDonald will also be there.

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage skin, joints and/or organs inside the body. The Lupus Foundation of America seeks to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, find its causes and cure, increase awareness of the disease and support individuals and families affected by lupus.

For more information on the Walk for Lupus Now events and to register and/or sponsor a participant, call (312) 542-0002 or visit www.walkforlupusnowil2008.kintera.org.