world lupus day 2009

I know everyday here at The Wide World of Lupus is World Lupus Day, but our official day just happens to be May 10.

The World Lupus Day Proclamation was first developed in 2004 when an international steering committee representing lupus organizations from 13 different nations met in Eaton, United Kingdom to organize the first observance of World Lupus Day.

I know this coincides with Mother's Day in America - but it's our one day of the year to share with others and raise valueable awareness. And besides - how many moms and daughters have to deal with this disease?

It's a great opportunity for awareness around the world and I'll try to keep you informed of what everyone has planned for this occasion.

Likewise, please reply here if you would like to promote your WLD activities.

Regards as Always, Geoff.

lupus - a dog of a disease

As many would be aware, the term lupus, originates from the Latin for wolf.

But the question has been asked here on another post, "Could my dog have (discoid) lupus?"

And the answer is yes, judging by all the information out there.

Millie, the pet of former US President Bush, was reportedly diagnosed with discoid lupus... And there are many canine websites offering dog owners details about lupus issues with their 'best friends'

I mentioned this during a talk at a seminar in rural Australia last year, and there was actually a dog diagnosed in the country town of Orange.

An interesting link from our friends in the United Kingdom regarding this issue is - lupus.org.uk - lupus in animals

I suppose it just goes to show we're not alone. 'Man's best friend' has to deal with this as well.

(Or should I say, 'Our best friend?' - sorry girls!)

It's something that may be forgotten (and could be an avenue for further awareness), though it proves that everyone with lupus is not alone - whether we have four legs or two!

Best wishes to all the poor puppies who can't google - Geoff.

lupus alert in mauritius

Over the past two years I've had the pleasure of being in touch with Babs and Dalilah from Lupus Alert in Mauritius.

Lupus Alert is another one of those great organizations raising awareness and offering support throughout the world.

Lupus, the disease with a thousand faces, was unheard of in Mauritius before the first press article on Dalilah Kalla, who came out public with her suffering, traumatic experiences and her agony at the very young age of 15 in July 1999.

The idea of setting up Lupus Alert in Mauritius to support Lupus patients was initiated by Babs Venkatasamy after a private visit to the UK to meet Brian Hanner, former Director of Lupus Support in the UK, medical specialists and representatives of Lupus support groups around the UK. Lupus Alert was launched in January 2000 as a non-profit, charitable organisation, which has since endeavoured to make the Mauritian public conscious of a disease for which no cure is available.

To learn more about Lupus Alert & the issue of lupus in Mauritius, please visit the Lupus Alert website.

Well done Dalilah & Babs... Geoff.

geoff on lupus radio

Not long before riding that bicycle around America, I went back to school and studied radio broadcasting with all the kiddies!

I knew one day, that experience would become really helpful, like my radio interviews while on the road in The US.

So it's exciting to announce a new blog radio program dedicated to lupus and mixed connective tissue disorders.

And I'm really excited to be part if it and helping out @ http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LupusMCTD

It's early days, but Kathy, Kim and I have some grand plans to get the message out there on the digital 'airwaves' - and you never know what might come of it in the future.

If you'd like to put a voice to the guy compiling this blog just click here or visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LupusMCTD/2009/03/31/Coming-Soon

I've added a blog radio tool on the left of this post. Kathy kindly interviewed me last week and and you can listen to the latest episodes via the widget/tool in the sidebar.

I'll update everyone with future programs here and also let you know how you can join in 'on-air' - despite where you live.

Regards as always, Geoff...