Hundreds of purple-clad residents filled Rochester Municipal Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, for the Michigan Lupus Foundation's annual awareness walk.

The event, first reported by ClickOnDetroit, drew walkers to the park at 400 6th Street for a quarter-mile loop around the pond. On-site registration opened at 9 a.m., with adult entry at $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Children 17 and under walked free.

The morning included face painting for kids, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and complimentary coffee.

For Madison Mitchell, who was diagnosed with lupus, the walk was personal. Mitchell said she knew almost nothing about the disease before her own diagnosis.

"I had never heard of lupus other than what most people know, you know Selena Gomez," Mitchell said. "I knew that that was the reason she has a kidney transplant, but I didn't know what causes it."

Mitchell said events like the walk help people with lupus feel less isolated, calling the disease "very invisible" despite being more common than many realize.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own healthy tissues and organs, according to the Michigan Lupus Foundation. Common symptoms include crippling fatigue, fever and joint pain.

There is no cure.

About 80% of new cases develop between ages 15 and 44, and the disease is more common in women, the foundation said.

Nicole Winters-Smith of the Michigan Lupus Foundation said the walk brings the community together to celebrate those living with lupus while raising awareness. She pointed to emerging research and new treatments as reasons for optimism but said awareness remains critical.

The foundation's next major event is Lupus Advocacy Day at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027. The day is open to patients, caregivers, family members and supporters statewide. Details are available at the foundation's website.