AS one of the top fundraisers in the weekend’s HBF Run for a Reason, Lesmurdie’s Paul Stervaggi has turned personal motivation into impact.

He took on the Brooks Half Marathon, raising funds and awareness for Lupus Voice Australia, inspired by his girlfriend’s sister, Mackenzie Snow who lives in Midland.

Now 19, Ms Snow lives with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), specifically Lupus Nephritis — a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs.

She was diagnosed at the early age of 11 after a rapid health decline that led to life-threatening complications, including fluid around her heart, severe kidney damage, dramatic weight loss, and eventually losing her ability to walk.

Ms Snow required heart surgery and intensive treatments including chemotherapy, high-dose steroids, and immunosuppressive therapy.

“It was overwhelming,”she said.

“I lost most of my hair from treatment and spent a lot of time in hospital. Starting high school while going through that was incredibly difficult, I only attended 58 per cent of my first year.”

Mr Stervaggi said after seeing what Mackenzie has gone through, he just wanted to do what he could to help.

“Events like HBF Run for a Reason give you the chance to spread awareness and raise money - I never thought twice about doing it,” he said.

Despite nearly seven years of remission, Ms Snow continues to manage daily symptoms including fatigue, headaches and a weakened immune system, with a recent flare up requiring new immunosuppressive treatment.

“Even when things look stable on paper, you don’t always feel healthy,” she said.

“It’s an invisible illness, and that can make it hard for people to understand the daily challenges, both physically and mentally.”

Funds raised will support Lupus Voice Australia and its work with the Kim Jolly Lupus Research Fund at Monash University, improving patient support and increasing awareness of the disease, which affects more than 20,000 Australians, mostly women.

“Finding a cure is the ultimate goal,” Mr Stervaggi said.

“Right now, we want to spread awareness and give people like Mackenzie hope.”

While Mr Stervaggi hoped to complete the half marathon in under four minutes per kilometre, his focus remained firmly on the cause.

“The day is really about lupus and Mackenzie,” he said.

Ms Snow said this support is deeply meaningful.

“This gesture means so much. Not just for me, but for everyone living with lupus.”