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.

lupus canada - great news

Hi Guys & Girls and happy World Lupus Month.

After living in Canada and with relatives there, it was disappointing I wasn't able to cross the border on my bike trip in 07 due to the weather conditions.

Thankfully, ever since I've been in touch with Kathy from The Lupus Foundation of Ontario and she's passed on some great news regarding lupus awareness in Canada.

The following is an email from Pat Leece of Lupus Canada:

"I am very pleased to announce that Lupus Canada has received commitment from three outstanding Canadian actors who have agreed to support us in our efforts to promote public awareness and our Walk a Block event.

Debra McGrath, Colin Mochrie and Patrick McKenna, all recognizable Canadian actors/comedians, have accepted our request to work with us to move the mission and vision of Lupus Canada forward to Canadians through awareness and the promotion of Walk a Block.

Debra and Colin are married and Patrick is one of their closest friends. They come to us with passion for our under-recognized disease as well as some personal experience with the disease and have offered their support at no charge to Lupus Canada.

Debra currently stars on CBC’s Little Mosque on the Prairie and was a founding member of the comedy troupe Women Fully Clothed; Colin is most recognized for his work on Whose Line is it Anyway? and is currently touring with comedic partner Brad Sherwood in the Evening with Colin & Brad tour.

Patrick is best known for playing Harold Green on the television series The Red Green Show and Marty Stephens on Traders .

All are alumni of The Second City and have been involved in multiple facets of the entertainment industry both in Canada and the US.

Leanne and I had the opportunity to meet with Debra and Colin this week to formalize our discussions and found them to be humble, gracious and generous in their commitment to our cause and their desire to make a difference in the lives of people living with lupus! They too are now part of our team…working together to conquer lupus!"

This is a remarkable effort for all involved and many thanks to you all.

thoughts for our lupus friends

On the eve of World Lupus Month, we offer our thoughts and wishes to our lupus friends who have been affected by recent weather events and earthquakes throughout the world.

The Philippines, Samoa, American Samoa and Indonesia have been particularly affected.

Our thoughts are with you all.

walk for lupus now - lfa lupus walks

Many of you would know of the great work the Lupus Foundation of America does for the research of lupus, education programs and the support for those with lupus and their families.

In the coming weeks, various locations throughout America are conducting their fundraising walks for lupus. It's a great opportunity to join others with this common condition and raise well-needed funds at the same time.

Here are the September 2009 walks through the last half of the month. They are listed alphabetically by state.

Birmingham, Alabama -- September 26, 2009
Sacramento, California -- September 26, 2009
Naperville, Illinois -- September 26, 2009
Central Indiana, Indiana -- September 26, 2009
Des Moines, Iowa -- September 26, 2009
Cleveland, Ohio -- September 26, 2009
Franklin, Ohio -- September 26, 2009
Lima, Ohio -- September 26, 2009
Spokane, Washington -- September 26, 2009

For more details and future walks in your area, contact the Lupus Foundation of America.