julian lennon - lupus

Some fantastic news as Julian Lennon & James Scott Cook have announced that they will donate a portion of the proceeds of their song 'Lucy' to fund lupus research.

The song was created to honor James' grandmother who has been living with lupus and Lucy Vodden, a childhood friend of Julian's who I've posted about here previously. Unfortunately, Lucy Vodden lost her battle with lupus recently. She was also the inspiration for the Beatles song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

Proceeds will assist The Lupus Foundation of America and the St. Thomas Lupus Trust in the U.K. - You can find more info by clicking on this link on the Lupus Foundation of America Website or you can read this article published in USA Today.

geoff thomas lupus - australia - geoff thomas leukaemia - england

This post is just a clarification as some people have been confused recently. There are two Geoff Thomas' out there who have cycled for a cause.

There's the fantastic Geoff Thomas who played football for England and Crystal Palace... Then there's me (who tackled more asphalt than opponents on the football field).

The English Geoff was diagnosed with leukaemia and has since raised millions to fund blood cancer treatment. More about Geoff and his foundation can be found here.

The Geoff (pictured above at the Australian Embassy in D.C.) is the one compiling this blog.

I hope this clarifies the difference, as I wouldn't want anyone to confuse my ride for lupus with the phenomenal work Geoff has done for his foundation. One day, it would be great to meet him, especially after arriving in London many years ago and knowing I needed a football team to follow. With a namesake as captain, and living in the area, it had to be Crystal Palace.

(Any chance of putting the boots back on Geoff? - I think Palace might need you!)

happy birthday to the alliance for lupus research!

More significant than this blog reaching the one year milestone, has to be the 10th birthday of The Alliance for Lupus Research.

I had the fortune to represent the ALR while cycling around America and their support was absolutely fantastic.

Knowing I was also spreading the word about the ALR made many lonely miles so worthwhile. But ultimately, it's the ALR and their approach to fundraising and research that makes them so worthwhile - 100% of all donations go to support research.

If you're unfamiliar with the ALR and all the great things they do, here's a message from the founder of the ALR, Robert Wood Johnson IV.

Or you can check out their website here!

the wide world of lupus - our 1st birthday!

Nobody said cycling across Australia or 9018 miles around America for lupus awareness was going to be an easy ride. And as I write this, I realize we have a long road ahead as we search for a cure for lupus.

But having said that, I've met so many people from all corners of the globe who are so committed to lupus awareness and research - words cannot justify the compassion and commitment so many people offer the lupus community worldwide.

As I hit the finish line in New York after 150 - something days on the road, I knew my lupus journey had really just commenced. I also knew that lupus was/is a worldwide concern and many countries didn't/don't really have a voice.

This blog is a combination of raising awareness and letting that international voice be heard. And today, The Wide World of Lupus celebrates its 1st birthday.

A year ago, I would never have thought that 12 months later, 10,813 people would have visited a lupus site by some Aussie guy on the other side of the world. A year ago I would never have imagined that people from 124 different countries would also visit this blog.

Personally, I think that number (124) is hugely important. It just shows how lupus affects so many of our brothers and sisters worldwide!

There are so many people to thank for helping make this blog a useful resource for those interested in the 'wider' lupus community. There are so many organizations and lupus groups who I'd be more than happy to promote here in the future.

I've often said that if there's an upside to lupus, it's the fantastic and beautiful people one gets to meet. That comment remains relevant today.

In the coming months, I might make a few slight changes and update The Wide World of Lupus. But the blog will basically remain the same as it seems to serve a purpose - to highlight the fact that lupus doesn't only affect those in major countries, but all of us, despite our race, color or religion.

Likewise, I will continue to highlight your lupus efforts and stories from around the world despite where you live - I'm only an email away!

In closing, my sincere thanks again and best wishes to you all!

(Now if only I could get that book of mine finished!)

Kind Regards as Always,
Geoff Thomas.

special announcement soon!

Hi Girls & Guys!

Just keep an eye on this blog for some heartfelt words early next week. Tuesday November 3 will mark a special occasion for me, and it's all due to you - the unexpected thousands who have visited this blog since its inception.

Geoff xx

lfa chapters

Many people find this blog after being recently diagnosed with lupus.

I know the feeling of trawling the Internet for all the info you can find on the subject. A great place to start is by checking out the website of The Lupus Foundation of America.

Importantly, The LFA has support chapters throughout The United States. If you live in America and require more information regarding a lupus chapter in your area click here.

Alternatively, various national organizations can also be found on The LFA Website.

twitter - lupus world

As you'd probably be aware, it's taken me some time to 'get with the times' and promote the world-wide lupus awareness message via social networking sites. My excuse has been finding the time to do so with everything else going on.

But I've finally managed to set up a Twitter account!

You never know - I might eventually progress to Face Space - actually that's not a bad name for a social networking site... hmmm???

Anyway, now I've taken the plunge, you're welcome to follow The Wide World of Lupus on Twitter.

As always,
Geoff.