Women’s College Basketball Teams Show They’re Passionate about Helping Those With Lupus

In October 2008, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) was contacted by Simmons College Head Women's Basketball Coach Tony Price who wanted to do something to support those affected by lupus. He has a personal connection to lupus, and as a coach at an all women’s college, he feels the need to help support and raise awareness of a disease that is often overshadowed.

Through Coach Price’s leadership and vision, the first-ever "Passionate Purple" week was created -- a week in January where women's basketball teams and game programs were dedicated to raising awareness about lupus and collecting funds to be donated to the LFA. During the week, the players, coaches, and fans were encouraged to wear purple -- the signature color of lupus.

Another member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) family, Mount Ida Head Women's Basketball Coach Jack Casey has also felt the effects of lupus. Coach Casey's wife Annemarie has lived with lupus for 28 years. As an active member of the lupus community, she used the Mt. Ida game as another opportunity to share her story about what it’s like to live with lupus, and why every dollar and every person reached matters.

We are thankful for the leadership of Coach Price and the support of the GNAC schools, and its players, coaches, students, faculty, and fans who helped raise money that will support LFA’s programs. We think it’s great that we get contacted by organizations and individuals like the GNAC and Coach Price who want to partner or do an awareness event, whether it’s on a small or large scale, and hope people continue to follow their lead.

Thanks Coach Price and GNAC!!!

Photo: Coach Tony Price, Annemarie Casey, and Coach Jack Casey