Lupus Foundation of Pittsburgh Hosts 22nd Annual Lupus Loop

Don Pferdehirt is a grad. of Penn State University

With a background in engineering and international business, Spring, TX, resident Donald “Don” Lee Pferdehirt works for Bayer Corporation. He recently served as global technical support for operations. A former resident of Pennsylvania when he attended the Pennsylvania State University, Don Pferdehirt remains connected to the state and supports the Lupus Foundation of Pittsburgh.

Founded in 1975 by Barbara Vandergrift, an individual diagnosed with lupus, the Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania promotes awareness, research, and education pertaining to the disease. Since it began, the organization has grown and currently includes offices in Erie, Harrisburg, Pittsburg, and the Poconos. 

One of the organization’s annual fundraising events is the Lupus Loop. The 2017 event occurred on September 16. In its 22nd year, the Lupus Loop is a 5K fun run and walk that took place at Station Square in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There were 46 runners who competed in the race, with 24 men and 22 women. Haley Noonan came in first overall with a time of 19:39 and the first male to cross the finish line was Ken Hornfeck with a time of 20:44.