Dear Laoshi,

I’d first like to thank you for making my wushu experience a memorable and delightful one. Your encouraging guidance and your supportive training philosophy are conducive to creating such a warm and inviting atmosphere that the team feels like one big happy family. I enjoy being with my wushu friends. 

On June 1, 2019 I will be participating in the Walk to End Lupus Now at the Great Park of Orange County. I would love if my entire NIU Wushu family can join me! The event raises critical funds to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education, support, and advocacy. I am one of those who will benefit from such programs—as you know, I was diagnosed with lupus this past Thanksgiving/Christmas break. Sadly, I am no longer allowed to play outdoor sports, but on the bright side, that means I can devote more time to wushu and badminton! The sun’s radiation causes flare-ups of my disease, which can damage my internal organs. My first flare-up occurred this past holiday season, causing my hands and feet to double their size and causing considerable pain in my joints (I now have rheumatoid arthritis because of lupus). My liver was also attacked by my own immune system. I am currently on a chemo-therapy regimen that will hopefully alleviate my symptoms. 

I formed a charity walk team. My personal goal for the lupus walk is to raise $1,000, and my goal for the team is to break last year’s Orange County team record of $12,000. Can you and the team walk with me and help me fundraise? You can join my team and make a secure donation online at http://support.lupus.org/goto/malayapapaya When you read my information page, you will see how and why I chose the team name of Patriot Power! - Beckman High School. However, the team is not exclusive to Beckman High School students. I just wanted to recruit as many people as possible to help me break the Orange County fundraising goal, and I thought having it associated with my high school would help me better accomplish that goal. I really want you and all the wushu kids to attend so that we can have a strong NIU Wushu representation. Everyone can wear their uniforms!
Can you spread the word to your friends and family? I don’t have the email to all of my teammates, and I would appreciate if you can forward this email to the team and family mailing list.

Here is more information about Lupus:Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood disease in which the immune system is out of balance, causing damage to any organ system in the body. The exact cause of lupus is unknown and while lupus can strike anyone at any time, 90 percent of the 1.5 million Americans living with the disease are females.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/


Thank you for your support and generosity, 

Malaya Gaerlan