important news - lupus drug progress

Human Genome Sciences and their partner GlaxoSmithKline announced this week that its drug BENLYSTA™ (belimumab) met its primary endpoint in BLISS-52, the first of two pivotal Phase 3 trials in patients with serologically active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Now... if you're like me and find anything too scientific difficult to absorb, I've added a few links here explaining the importance of this news.

Firstly, there's the video above where William W. Freimuth, M.D., Ph.D. Vice President, Human Genome Sciences explains a little more about the research and drug trial.

Also LFA President & CEO Sandra C. Raymond comments on the first potential lupus treatment in 50 Years via another video message.

Then there's this article written in The Washington Post.

The Alliance For Lupus Research also has some information regarding this important news which is available by clicking here.

julie's story - a book by julie miller

Over the past year, I've been fortunate to communicate with Julie Miller.

Julie has recently had a book published: My Life With Lupus

'My Life With Lupus', sums up the challenges and struggles of a young woman's life in dealing with the very unpredictable disease, Lupus. Julie was a young and energetic twenty-four-year-old woman with her whole life ahead of her.

Although life was headed in the right direction for Julie, her health had other plans. Julie began noticing vague symptoms which became bothersome to her studies.

For a year, Julie dealt with ongoing fatigue and pain which was attributed to the stress of planning a wedding and working toward a master's degree.

Eventually, the symptoms worsened and Julie needed to seek medical attention. What would the doctors tell her? How would she react?

Ten years later, Julie is talking about how she coped through the challenges and got through the difficult days in dealing with lupus.

"Life is a rollercoaster", Julie says. "It has its ups and downs, but you just have to take one day at a time. I feel God has blessed me with Lupus, so that I can reach out to others. My life could be a whole lot worse, and I've seen a whole lot worse".

Julie's Story, 'My Life With Lupus' has been written for all of those who suffer from an autoimmune disease. You can purchase a copy of My Life With Lupus here or you can search or it on barnesandnoble.com.

Julie was also recently interviewed on Fox 17 News.

Well done Julie!

a new lupus book

I have an idea...

Can you describe your lupus journey in 140 words or less?

Would you like to raise awareness for lupus?

Would you like to be creative?

Would you like to have your words published in a book?

Would you also like to be credited in print and also have a link advertising your lupus organization?

I'm prepared to pay to publish a book of your short lupus stories to raise awareness.

All you have to do is email me in 140 words or less, your creative lupus story.

It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. It can inspire others and even be humorous. And you don't even have to be a member of a lupus organization - just write for yourself and others. Just make the most of those 140 words.

Write anything you like... as long as it's lupus related.

I'd love to hear from all ages & nationalities. Even from those who have a relative or friend with lupus.

Those 140 words or less can be your choice: as long as others would love to read them.

My idea is to give you a writing credit at the end of your article and even display a link to your lupus organization to raise awareness.

You're welcome to email me with those 140 words now, or indeed email me for further information: Geoff

Regards as Always,
Geoff (Jeff)
bikeusa07@hotmail.com

michael jackson & lupus - an interesting interview

Michael Jackson & Lupus - The Interview

I'd like to share with you an interview that was aired recently on the American television channel, ABC.

Dr. Robert Lahita, a professor of medicine who has has written numerous books on lupus and other autoimmune conditions, gives a great description of lupus and how it related to Michael Jackson.

For those of you who don't understand lupus, this also gives an insight as to how it affects so many people worldwide.

Many thanks to Kendra of cure4lupus for bringing this to my attention.

Regards, Geoff.

did michael jackson die from lupus?

Did Michael Jackson die from lupus?

Well probably not, but it has been confirmed he had discoid or cutaneous lupus and a number of other health issues. And with Jackson's link with lupus, there has been so much mentioned and even misunderstood over the past week or so.

You mightn't agree with everything Michelle says in the following video links regarding lupus and Jackson, but you have to agree she gives us an invaluable insight about what it's like to live with lupus.

Michelle is a former investigative reporter and her life has been drastically altered due to lupus. However, she's passionate about raising awareness and contributing to society.

It's been fascinating to correspond with Michelle lately and I'd urge you to watch these videos:
Did Michael Jackson Die From Lupus - Part One.
Did Michael Jackson Die From Lupus - Part Two.

Being a reporter and also passionate about news in general, Michelle also has a news/opinion blog.

Thanks Michelle, and no doubt we'll be hearing more from you in the future.

Regards, Geoff.