A Battle Lost to Lupus and the Health Care System. RIP JOE. We Will Miss You

We lost our friend Joe to Lupus on Tues, June 16,2009. Joe was a sweet, wonderful, humorous soul who was constantly fighting to receive medical care. Joe finally started getting the care he needed but not until his kidneys failed and went into congestive heart failure. Lupus is a Connective Tissue Disease. CTDs are more prevalent now than cancer in America today, yet most people have never heard of it. Joe was such a wonderful person and I know that the friends he and I share, and myself, will not let Joe die in vein. Please, help spread awareness.

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News & Politics

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• Michael Jackson

[CALICOTV301]

I couldn't continue beyond :30 seconds and after I saw the annotation. I think it will be too sad. I just want to say that you are a strong woman. Not only strong but also generous for sharing and raising awareness. Just keep your head to the sky and remain optimistic.

I really respect what you are doing and must say that you are a superhero to many! People like you touch souls and make a difference in this world. Peace my friend, peace

[Michellemlm]

Thank you. It's okay, I keep it light and even joke about it makng me look like a female shrek, ;) It's not that bad yet, just that I don't look myself, you know? Hard to not look like you when you look into a mirror.

You're very nice, thank you so much for your support.

[Michellemlm]

Ps,.. you brought tears to my eyes with your kind words... in a good way. thank you again for being so wonderfully kind.

[Michellemlm]

My comment in my inbox told me you commented on a different vid.. no, you are right.. this one is very sad. Very.

[smaviii]

America the land of the free?

has no free healthcare system?

You've got to be kidding.

You are better off coming to Canada, getting your PR care and staying here. FREE HEALTH CARE!

[Michellemlm]

I know. That's why I'm doing these vids.. to bring awareness and educate people about Lupus and other CTDs/autoimmune diseases so people understand them, not label us who have them. Two... to try to show people that here, if we don't have GOOD pvt ins... our wait time is indefinitely.

PS... Love Canada btw. Everyone I meet from there is always smart, kind... love the people. Love my country too but we have some serious serious things that need fixed.

[DiNome1978]

Michelle, this is such a touching video. This is a great tribute to Joe, I hope this brings more awareness to people and puts a face to the problems that people go through on a daily basis fighting the health care industry..

We are all going to miss Joe terribly, nobody should have to go through the troubles that he went through... xoxox Dez

[Sharudith]

This is an INCREDIBLE video, Michelle. You are doing God's work, and you are EXTREMELY effective! Sharing Joe's situation with all of us is so indelible, such an honor to your friend's legacy and memory - he is proud of you, I am sure. By making the public more aware of lupus and how it even affects men, you are doing a great service to the community. There are so many prejudices out there - which I am sure you already know. Your mission is to help undo these - through educating people!

[brooklynlulu]

I'm so sorry for your loss, I welled up with tears, he was so young. People tend to forget that Lupus can kill and how very serious it is. I have rheumatoid arthritis and am on same things as you, the other video of you showing the effects, hit me right in the heart, I appreciate your sharing and helping others to learn of this disease. I too have been turned down for disability, still fighting, and I know of two that are on it without an actual ilness, angering beyond belief.

[lovesfreedomtoo]

I have been turned down for disability twice, finally went before a judge & am waiting for his decision. God bless Joe, he fought the fight but didn't have those he needed in his corner, I am outraged by his story, this should not happen anywhere! Bless you for bringing this to the masses, we who suffer & our families need the moral support

[lovesfreedomtoo]

Lupus rules your life & is so misunderstood. I do get tired of explaining myself, defending myself, I am not lazy, I am not a hypochondriac, a liar or a drug seeker. I have had open heart surgery, 2 strokes, liver failure, kidney failure, have lung problems, congestive heart failure, pancreatitis & live with pain every second of every day, just to name a few of things Lupus has done. Still there is a lack of compassion from many healthcare professionals

[66godsgirl]

this is so sad. but he is with god now

[gphx]

Yuo did a great job on this. I didn't know Joe but I feel like I did. Too bad the health bill basically just added a bunch more people to the same programs that failed him.

[dinkersmom]

I've worked in health care for 21 years.Have cared for dying patients and their family's. I have to fight for time off due to my Lupus. I actually was fired from the hospital I work and had to get a lawyer to get my job back. It stuns me that people have to fight so hard to get the care and understanding they need.

[kittywoman5309]

I also use The Tears Of A Clown!!!I joke alot,I have only been in kidney failure once,GOD BLESS JOE!!!

[TheRulaBaby]

r.i.p no1 deserves the disease absolutely no1! im sorry for ur pain and i wish u all the success xxx