LaGrange Lupus Steppers, a walking group, are sponsoring a Fun and Fitness Day Saturday Nov. 9 at Granger Park, to raise funds and awareness for lupus disease. 

The event includes a one-mile fundraising walk starting at 10 a.m. Participants should register at 9 a.m. and give a donation to the steppers, who are a nonprofit benefiting lupus survivors in the area.

“I just really wanted to do something for the community, since I was handed the torch,” event organizer Veronical Kelly said.  

She took over the Steppers from Jarvis Jones, a lupus survivor.  

At Fun and Fitness Day, Kelley’s sons will be offering football activities for kids. Braxton Kelley played three years for the Denver Broncos and played college ball for Kentucky. His twin brother Brandon played football for Tusculum University. Travis Hart and other local players will be there.       

Taresa Alexander will be on hand to teach line dancing and exercise moves. Free blood pressure and blood glucose checks will be also be available.   

Partial proceeds will go the Georgia chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America and to local lupus survivors. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissue. There are treatments for the disease, but no cure.  

Kelley’s mother, Jimmie Simpson, has been a survivor of the disease 20 years.  She said the group has helped her.  

“I know I’m not by myself. I’m with someone who knows what I’m going through,” she said of the group. 

Survivor Lisa Pfister echoed that.  

“I feel like they understand my situation. It helps to feel you’re understood,” she said. “You don’t feel as alone when someone has the same issues you go through. They get me.”    

The walking group includes lupus survivors Tina Harrison, Gloria Trammell, Lisa Pfister, Shamonica Fannin, Kawana Burts, LaShonda Brown, Keturah Clark, Monique Davidson, Shantris Simpson and Kelley’s mother Jimmie Simpson. Kelley is one of three supporters in the group, along with her sister Trina Dixon and group founder Jarvis Jones.

Vendors are welcome at the event. Tables are provided for a $25 donation. Kelley is looking for volunteers to help with the event. For more information, call Veronical Kelley at (706) 402-7405.