Training inspires teen to become a lupus advocate | News, Sports, Jobs

RICHFIELD — Haley Hoffman started running three-mile races to stay in shape to play soccer.

Once she learned one of the races benefited the Lupus Foundation of America, it turned into a personal crusade for the now East Juniata High School senior.

This is because her grandmothers both suffer from this chronic disease.

What started as a way to stay in shape to play soccer for Haley Hoffman turned into a personal crusade to fight a chronic illness. Tracey Hoffman is still alive, while the other – Lu Ann Burkholder – died from complications of lupus and cancer in 2005.

“I started this project at the end of my sixth year” Haley remembers. “I was doing 5Ks around PA to keep in shape. My mom came to me and asked if I wanted to run the Lupus Loop in Philadelphia, and of course I said, “Yes.”

That run in Philadelphia led Hoffman to create Running Loopy for Lupus in 2019. She hoped to raise $100 the first year and eventually reached $500.

Even the pandemic didn't slow down her efforts as she held a fundraiser virtually.

Last year's event brought together about 80 runners and raised about $5,000. This year's Running Loopy for Lupus 5K is scheduled for Sunday at Basom Park in Richfield.

“When I started, I didn’t think I would raise thousands of dollars.” Haley said. “Being from a very small county, it shows what a community can do when it comes together. »

Last year's event also added a motorcycle ride, which continues this year at 12 p.m. A 5K will take place at 3 p.m., followed by the Chinese auction.

The 5 km race takes place at Basom Park depending on the route “as many loops as we could make”, Haley said.

Over the years, she raised money in a variety of ways, earning $600 from T-shirt and hoodie sales; $1,200 from an Easter pie sale in which 100 pies sold for $12 each; $3,000 from Chinese silent auction; and $1,500 for the 5K race.

His first motorcycle ride earned him $400 despite the bad weather.

In 2020, Haley was interviewed by the Lupus Foundation about her work and her passion for fundraising for the foundation.

At the very least, Haley explained that she wishes her grandmother could enjoy clear, sunny days outside without worrying about a flare-up and that everyone living with lupus could go into remission.

“It means a lot” Haley said. “As is the case with both sides of my family, this is something I could contract genetically.”

In this story, his mother, Kristin, said: “What Haley won't tell you is that she has a huge heart and is a very caring and compassionate teenager.”

Her parents – including father Curt – are very proud of their daughter, and rightly so. Her dedication to her grandmothers is evident in why she raises money and why she puts her head down and does the work that needs to be done.

She truly demonstrated the true meaning of living to serve, and her efforts are making a difference in her community.

For more information, find the Running Loopy Lupus page on Facebook. If you are unable to attend, there is a link on this page to make a donation.