Black Panther star, Michael B. Jordan shines off camera as he celebrated the third annual MBJam in partnership with Lupus LA.
Hundreds came together including celebrities such as Jamie Foxx, Kyrie Irving, Omari Hardwick, Storm Reid, Lilly Singh and many more to celebrate those living and thriving with lupus at family fun spot, Dave & Busters in Hollywood, CA! Not only does MBJAM serve as a means to bring awareness to Lupus LA, it also provides much needed funding to find the cause and cure for lupus all while providing support services and a community for those affected by the chronic autoimmune disease.
Adam Selkowitz, Chairman of Lupus LA, kicked off the event by welcoming over 250 lupus patients and their families. “We got over a billion media impressions last year from this event and I suspect we’re going to have more this year, meaning the message will be spread and that’s amazing,” Selkowitz exclaimed. “The more we can do to give a face to what is so often referred to as an ‘invisible’ disease, the greater shot we have at finding a cure.”
Toni Braxton, Nick Cannon & Chairman of Lupus LA Adam Selkowitz
Event emcee and lupus warrior, Nick Cannon took the stage to share his story of being diagnosed with lupus as well as thanking friend and Lupus LA ambassador, Toni Braxton for being one of the first to calm his spirit and help him process this shocking diagnosis. “It meant so much for someone who has been on this journey to reach out and visit me when I was in the hospital and check up on me. It was more than just a colleague in the same industry, she became family.” Cannon then welcomed MBJAM creator, Michael B. Jordan to the stage accompanied by his family including his mother, Donna Jordan who has been living with lupus for over a decade. “Lupus is a tough disease. It affects not only the person suffering, but the caretakers as well. MBJAM is really meant to be a chance for lupus patients and their families to let their guards down and have fun,” Jordan explained. Together the Jordan family introduced, lupus patient Ashley Ramirez and her family as they presented them with the inaugural Jordan Family Kindred Hearts Award, which symbolizes strength, love and resilience in the face of the disease. The afternoon was filled with laughter, fun, games, a silent auction and yummy grubs!
Thanks to the generosity and support of the Jordan family and event partners, American Airlines, Coach, GSK and Warner Bros. lupus patients and their families were able to attend the event free of charge and Jordan also announced that a portion of funds raised will support an artist workshop for Los Angeles-based lupus patients. Lupus is one of America’s most prevalent medical problems, yet two-thirds of the population know little or nothing about this chronic, autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million Americans, and over 60,000 people in LA county alone. There is no cure for lupus, but in many cases, it can be controlled. There is a tremendous need for more research and funding to support scientists’ efforts to discover new, more effective treatments and a cure. For more information please visit lupasla.org and to see more photos of MBJAM, make sure to follow #mbjam and @LupusLA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
