The community of Los Angeles is gearing up for the annual Walk to End Lupus Now, and so is The Young and the Restless actress Kate Linder (Esther Valentine), who is leading the charity event as Grand Marshal for the second year in a row. Actor Ian Harding, who recently guest-starred on Chicago Med, will join the daytime icon as a special guest.
Set to take place on Saturday, September 28, the Lupus Foundation of America's Walk to End Lupus Now brings communities together to raise money for lupus research, increase awareness of the disease, and rally public support for those who suffer from its brutal impact. Lupus has no known cause and no known cure, but it affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans and five million people worldwide.
"It's incredible to see the power of the Los Angeles community at the Walk to End Lupus Now, and I'm excited to be back as Grand Marshal for the second year. My sister-in-law was diagnosed with lupus 19 years ago, and I know how important it is to support our lupus warriors," says Linder. "I'm looking forward to walking, fundraising, and raising lupus awareness alongside each walker; each participant plays an important role in supporting our community and raising critical funds for lupus research so that we can develop better treatments and find a cure."
To register for the walk, learn more, or make a donation, visit the official Walk to End Lupus Now website.
Linder joined the cast of Y&R in 1982 and has been entertaining daytime fans as Esther Valentine ever since. In addition to helping support lupus research, the actress is the national spokesperson for the ALS Association and is active with TV Cares, ATAS's AIDS fundraising and awareness organization, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. She is also a national spokesperson for March of Dimes Canada's Conductive Education Program.
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