Hundreds of runners and walkers gathered at Miramar Regional Park on Saturday morning for the 10th annual Hair Peace & Hope 5K, an event that raises money and awareness for people living with autoimmune diseases.
The event started as a way to provide wigs for people experiencing hair loss. Organizers now also help families cover medical expenses, transportation and other costs tied to their conditions.
Tonya Mahome Simmons, an ambassador for the race, said the unpredictability of autoimmune disease is among the hardest parts. She said symptoms can change quickly and often cannot be seen by others.
Local 10 News reporter Magdala Louissant served as emcee. She said meeting people who live with the illness made the case for raising awareness clear, calling it a silent disease that is hard to recognize at first glance.
Participants ran or walked the 5-kilometer course, and a Zumba warm-up kicked off the morning. The event marked a decade of support for families affected by these conditions.
