HEY GUYS!!! =) Long time no update? haha well today is "special"
The World Lupus Day Proclamation
Please join the international lupus community in urging your government to adopt and issue the World Lupus Day Proclamation.
Whereas, lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause severe damage to the tissue and organs in the body and, in some cases, death; and
Whereas,
more than five million people worldwide suffer the devastating effects
of this disease and each year over a hundred thousand young women, men
and children are newly diagnosed with lupus, the great majority of whom
are women of childbearing age; and
Whereas,
medical research efforts into lupus and the discovery of safer, more
effective treatments for lupus patients are under-funded in comparison
with diseases of comparable magnitude and severity; and
Whereas,
many physicians worldwide are unaware of symptoms and health effects of
lupus, causing people with lupus to suffer for many years before they
obtain a correct diagnosis and medical treatment; and
Whereas, there is a deep, unmet need worldwide to educate and support individuals and families affected by lupus; and
Whereas, there is an urgent need to increase awareness in communities worldwide of the debilitating impact of lupus;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that
10 May 2007 is hereby designated as World Lupus Day on which lupus
organizations around the globe call for increases in public and private
sector funding for medical research on lupus, targeted education
programs for health professionals, patients and the public, and
worldwide recognition of lupus as a significant public health issue.
Proclaimed This Day, 10 May 2007 Well okay that's kind of a long thing to read; but I just wanted to take the time right now just to say thanks to you guys for this past year. It's been about one year now that I've been diagnosed with lupus; and I have to say that I wouldn't have gotten this far and been in such great spirits if it wasn't for all of you who have helped me along the way. For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus which is a chronic autoimmune disease with no cure (yet?=) see www.lupus.org for extra clarifying details) and it's a long story of how that all came about (so if you'd like to know; go ahead and ask!) But basically this year has been filled with numerous doctors appointments, a gazillion medications, steroids! haha, bloodtests, lots and LOTS of sunscreen, and all that stuff.
Living with lupus has changed me; and it's now a part of me which makes me who I am. Why did God give it to me? I'm not quite sure; you'd have to ask Him, but I do know that it's helped me understand compassion better, to be able to empathize with others, and taught me not to take things for granted. Good health is something that you're blessed with (hey! like common grace?). Oh right, back to what I was really going to do; haha say thank you!
So thank you to all... - -who told me that I looked cute in my glasses when they said I couldn't wear contacts;)
- -who told me that bloodtests are really not that bad even though I was hysterical the first time=P
- -who have listened to my medical nonsense terms and attempted to understand
- -who have cheered with me when my bloodtest results came out great
- -who have written me cards or given me flowers (the cards are on my door right now!)
- -who came to my lupus benefit concert (see the next next entry below) and listened to me play violin
- -who have laughed along and made jokes about "steroids"
- -who know I am definetely the champion pill swallower;)
- -who have told me that I still look pretty despite puffy cheeks, excessive shedding=P, and streaked/scarred legs.
- -who have listened to me whine/complain/worry etc.
- -who have prayed for me and given words of encouragement.
So I'm currently in what you'd call "remission" or "not flaring", and who knows? maybe it'll be like this for the rest of my life, maybe it won't. Maybe they'll find a cure? (maybe I'LL find the cure! haha) But whatever happens, I know I have a friends who will support me and pray for me if I need it. so thank you=)
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