michael jackson lupus

Michael Jackson dies & lupus...

It's often been noted that Michael Jackson suffered from lupus. So on the day that he died, a quick search online unearthed many lupus references.

Many links featured people on message boards and forums who wondered if lupus had anything to do with his death. And many comments were from people who didn't understand lupus - Yes, I've even seen a werewolf reference to his so-called eccentricity.

With the huge media attention Jackson's passing has generated, I suppose it's only natural for everyone to 'jump to conclusions' and latch on to various reports they hear. Many online media organisations seem to 'copy and paste' the same stories these days in an immediacy to get a story out there.


I suppose my question is:

When did Jackson ever disclose publicly that he had lupus?

I've always read that it's been 'reported' he had the disease, but I can't ever recall hearing him discuss the topic. Where is it, on the record, as we say?

Regards, Geoff.

lúpus Brasil

Welcome to Lupus Brazil!

For many people around the world, Brazil means football (soccer), Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon. But we have to remember that lupus affects everyone around the world and Brazil is no exception.

So it's fantastic to see a great website from our friends in Brazil: Lupus Online This website can also be translated, like many others, by Google or other programs.

It's amazing what other countries are doing to raise awareness and offer support. It's also very interesting to see how other countries promote lupus through some great websites and how they deal with this condition.

I'd love to hear from people in Brazil and learn more about lupus in South America.

Best Wishes and Regards,

Geoff (Jeff).

Bem-vindo ao Lúpus Brasil!

É fantástico ver um grande lúpus site de nossos amigos no Brasil: lupusonline.com.br

É fantástico para saber o que os outros estão fazendo ao redor do mundo a oferecer apoio e promover a sensibilização para lúpus. Seria ótimo ouvir de pessoas no Brasil.

Cumprimentos e obrigado - Geoff (Jeff) Thomas

lupus arizona

I have to admit, Arizona was one of the toughest states I encountered while cycling around America. However, it was also one of the most unique and rewarding.

Unfortunately, due to the summer heat (116 in Gila Bend!), I couldn't divert to Phoenix and catch up with the Arizona chapter of the LFA - so close, yet so far!

Fortunately I did manage to 'touch base' via email after an interview was published in the Arizona Daily Star when I took a break in Tuscon (those newspaper offices had great air-conditioning). Thankfully, we've remained in touch and I do hope to return to meet everyone in person sooner rather than later. Lupus Arizona is a great organization.

The LFA, Arizona Chapter is the local arm of the nation's leading non-profit, voluntary health organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, supporting and providing hope to individuals, their families and friends affected by the disease, increasing awareness of lupus among health professionals and the public, and finding the cure. The LFA Arizona Chapter, are the leaders of the lupus movement statewide. Lupus Arizona can also offer support and information for those located in Nevada.

And it's a pleasure to announce the 4th annual Lupus Arizona Walk for Lupus which will be held Sunday, November 8th 2009.

Registration Starts at 8:00 a.m. and there will be a 5k Competitive Run and 5k Family Fun Walk commencing at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, 6111 All American Way (South Soccer Field on the North Side of Guadalupe).

Register, and Create or Join a Team at www.firstgiving.com/lupusarizona

For more info visit www.lupusarizona.org

Help make it a great day for Lupus Awareness!

Regards as always,
Geoff

lucy in the sky with diamonds has lupus - sle

It has been reported that the inspiration for the Beatles song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, is battling lupus/SLE.

Lucy Vodden and John Lennon's eldest son, Julian, have been reunited after he heard that she is battling Lupus.

Lucy was immortalised after the young Julian showed his father a picture of her with star-like shapes and told him it was 'Lucy in the sky with diamonds'. Lennon then used the phrase as a title for the famous song that was released by the Beatles in 1967 and later 'covered' by Elton John.

To read more about Lucy and her battle with lupus click here or search for 'Lucy Vodden Lupus' in your search engine.

As Always... Geoff.

floods, moving house & the gold coast

Hi guys & girls!

Sorry I've been missing for a few weeks... After evacuating due to floods here in eastern Australia, I've moved house and am now living on the Gold Coast (which is very much like Florida).

And after waiting two weeks and dealing with frustrating telephone companies, I've finally got an internet connection again - a long story!

In the next week or so, I'll start posting regular lupus articles here again from around the world. Now it's just a matter of answering those two weeks of emails!

It's good to be back... Geoff.