By Abbey Hood

Outfitted in bright orange t-shirts, hundreds of people gathered in front of the famous fashion house Chanel on Rodeo Drive last March for the Los Angeles Marathon.

As runners sporting orange t-shirts reading, “Team Life Without Lupus,” flew by, the crowd excitedly threw up their hands and cheered.

It was the first time ever Lupus LA participated in the LA Marathon.

The official Lupus LA charity team, Life Without Lupus, had more than 50 runners and walkers, including board members, advising physicians from the foundation's medical board and many supporters, according to Linda David, executive director.

 “It was a great experience to be part of the 5K....And what made it even more enjoyable was the fact I got to interact with different people all working towards a common goal: a cure,” said participant Eilish Morales.

The team raised more than $58,000 for the foundation, as well as  awareness about Lupus LA,  the West Coast division of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation that promotes lupus research, awareness, and education, and serves the needs of people with lupus and their families in Los Angeles County, said David.

It was founded in 2000 by Daniel Wallace, MD, a renowned physician and author and attending physician in the division of rheumatology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a clinical professor of medicine at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine.

Under his guidance, Lupus LA offers monthly support groups, as well as education programs and workshops throughout Los Angeles County.

It partners with the Lupus Research Institute to fund novel lupus research that will prevent, treat and cure the complex disease.

Lupus LA will celebrate its 10th anniversary at its Orange Ball, honoring Dr. Renee Rinaldi; Cindy and Glenn Fry; and the Human Genome Sciences.

The event is at 6:30 p.m. on May 6 at The Beverly Wilshire.

For more information: 310-657-LOOP (5667).