Geoff Thomas of Australia, who has Discoid Lupus, rode from America's east coast to the west and then back to the east, in an effort to raise awareness for a very prominent disease. What once was considered a rare disease has quickly become one of the more prevalent diseases of our time... On average each person knows at least one person who has Lupus, whether they realize this or not. This is partly due to delayed diagnosis, as it can take 3 to 15 years, or more in come cases, to be properly diagnosed with lupus. There are no definitive tests to diagnose the disease due to a lack of research and understanding of it's complicated nature.
Lupus a "connective tissue autoimmune disease (CTD)" is not only misunderstood by the general public but by many physicians as well. Some of the reasons for the confusions is again, a lack of research, lack of awareness, as well as a lack of media coverage. Why media coverage?...
Connective tissue diseases are now more prevalent than cancer, yet most have never heard those words. There's a need for more media attention for fund raiser events as well as triumphs such as Geoff's ride across the country and back. Which, with lupus, is certainly no easy task. With more coverage comes more awareness and awareness is the key to getting more research. Research can bring better treatment options, which, eventually could bring a cure. The main treatment options currently approved for lupus are autoimmune suppressant steroids. The side effects of this treatment can be riskier to one's health in the long run than the actual disease, as they cause cancer. Steroids also are difficult on patients as they change the person's facial features as well as causing other painful physical changes, stealing the person's identity. They also cause uncontrollable mood swings and personality changes, making it even more difficult for the patient and their families to cope.
Geoff Thomas' motivation to launch the word "Lupus" into international vocabularies world-wide, is one to be admired. He's completed several rides, is currently working on a book about Lupus, he runs an international support magazine (The Wide Word of Lupus) for those living with the disease as well as for their loved ones and Geoff is involved with various foundations internationally.
Geoff, a hero to many with the disease is always coming up with innovative ways to help educate others on this disease and to bring much needed awareness. I guess you can call Geoff Thomas, The Super Hero of Lupus, at least that's how those of us with the disease feel about him... I believe you will as well when you read about his ride across America and back. (article linked below)
Thank you Geoff for being the crusader that this disease has long awaited for.
ABC in New South Whales did a wonderful article about Geoff, please take a moment to visit the following link: ABC: Sydney butcher rides for lupus in the US
Thank you for visiting and please, help spread awareness, it only takes a couple clicks and a few seconds of your time to make a difference.
To learn more about Lupus and what it is like to live with the disease, please visit Geoff's forum as well as the video posted below. Thank you.
The Wide World of Lupus Forum: The Wide World of Lupus Forum and Site
Alliance for Lupus Research: Alliance for Lupus Research Website
Video on Lupus: What is Lupus and Living with Lupus
IF YOU KNOW A HERO, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SUBMIT THEIR STORY!
Thank you for your support,
Michelle MinderMassey
Thursday, July 9, 2009
5 comments:
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For those who come across this column, please, if you would, leave Geoff a comment to show support for all he has done.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Well said. He is great. And thank you for this article highlighting this too often overlooked disease.
ReplyDeleteThank you Geoff for doing such a wonderful thing to help raise awareness and support of this terrible disease that afflicts so many lives. You truly are a hero! :)
ReplyDeleteAs one diagnosed with DI lupus, a former runner and mountain climber, what I want to know, since steroids are dangerous, how geoff both keeps disease at bay and carries on an athletic lifesrtyle. I want to get back to running!
ReplyDeleteI am here to give my testimony about a doctor who helped me in my life. I was infected with LUPUS in 2014, i went to many hospitals for cure but there was no solution, so I was thinking how can I get a solution out so that my body can be okay. i found an article about one doctor who already help a lady. then i contacted him. He told me all the things I need to do and also give me instructions to take, which I followed properly. Before I knew what is happening after two weeks the LUPUS that was in my body got vanished . so if you are also heart broken and also need a help, you can also email him at dr.zakiherbalhome@gmail.com or whatapp +2348148339190
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