Lupus Jersey~conversation starter...!

[Zoi]

When a good friend first heard of my diagnosis he went online and ordered two identical Jerseys that read: "Get into the loop~Support Lupus Awareness".

He knew of the trouble I had gone through to find out what was wrong and I assumed it was his way of offering some sort of support. I appreciated the thought and have worn it on occasion.

Well, in Greece it didn't attract any attention but since my return to Scotland there hasn't been one day when I've worn it when someone hasn't stopped me (at the supermaket, auto repair shop, gas station, University, Blockbuster to name but a few) and told me something along the lines of "I know someone who has that" or "I have that" "my brother has it" et cetera.

I am truly suprised at how many people are out there with this thing and how much need there is for it to be something that is acknowledged and discussed...

I for one am amazed at how much the people who stopped me wanted to discuss their loved one's and/or their condition...

Zoi

[LoopyLoo]

Hi Zoi,

I am also in Scotland. A good friend of mine at work was keen to organise a fund raising event for Lupus after he heard of my diagnosis. I was against it as I felt it would just bring attention to me as a person but part of me also wanted to raise awareness. Well done you for wearing the jersey as I find it difficult to talk to others about my Lupus.

As I have been telling more people I've since found out that a secretary I work with has it (my first meeting with a another Lupie!) and the girl that does Indian Head massage in my workplace, her best friend has it.

I don't know if you've seen the advert from the Lupus Foundation of America that says 'Someone you know has Lupus'? I think it's a truer statement than any of us realise.

Take care,

Pam xxx

[Clare.T]

Very good idea Zoi and I am glad it has attracted attention. I have several pins that people ask about from time to time, but the best was a large square one with lupus written so big people didn't have to peer at your bosom to read it. Unfortunately it didn't like being washed and the LFA from whom I had got it at a conference, simply didn't have any more.

Every little bit of awareness helps.

I was in NYC when they had those notices up on the buses. I felt like standing up and yelling 'It's me!'

Cheers
Clare