Red Shoe Day: A Day of Remembrance
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Red Shoe Day was founded in memory of Australian Lyme Patient, Theda Myint who left this earth on the 25th July 2013. The Inaugural Red Shoe Day was July 25th 2014, with this day quickly becoming established as an annual remembrance day to remember not only Theda, but all those lost to Lyme and other invisible illnesses worldwide.
More about Theda and her journey can be seen at : Lyme Australia Recognition and Awareness (Theda Myint)
The 6 month anniversary of Theda passing was remembered by asking everyone to join in lighting a candle and posting tributes. The memories from that day can be seen on the page, Remembering Theda: 6 months on. The Inaugural Red Shoe Day in 2014 saw many remembering those lost, sharing memories and wearing Red Shoes. There were also numerous artistic tributes and social gatherings on the day. |
Sometimes our lives are touched by friends who,
though they are only able to stay a while, continue to live in our hearts and memories forever.
though they are only able to stay a while, continue to live in our hearts and memories forever.
Red shoe day, held on July 25th, is to remember all those we have lost to invisible illness such as Lyme, ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and the many more illnesses that are invisible. In the broad sense of the term, invisible illnesses are those that are generally "invisible", not only from the outward appearance of the person, but also seemingly invisible to appropriate research, treatment and care of the thousands of people that are living with them. Many living with these illnesses are also "invisible" to society, as their health is such that they are confined to their houses, (and many to their beds) for months, even years.
The online communities and support groups are a lifeline to many who are unable to leave their beds/houses and are also an excellent source of information for those looking for support in discussing treatment pathways and coping strategies. The people within these communities/groups understand the struggles and adversity with very little explanation. Finding "someone like you", leads to many friendships being developed, and the loss of someone from this community is felt by many, even those on the other side of the world.
Each death brings a heightened sense of anger (and a numerous range of other feelings) at the injustice of their illness being ignored. It is also hard, as whilst many offer comfort to those affected, it also brings a sense of ones own mortality (or that of the loved one you are caring for) to the fore.
We would therefore like to encourage the view that whilst the 25th of July is for remembering all those lost, it is not only to remember their passing, it also to celebrate their life and to remember and share the wonderful memories their time on this earth gave us.
The online communities and support groups are a lifeline to many who are unable to leave their beds/houses and are also an excellent source of information for those looking for support in discussing treatment pathways and coping strategies. The people within these communities/groups understand the struggles and adversity with very little explanation. Finding "someone like you", leads to many friendships being developed, and the loss of someone from this community is felt by many, even those on the other side of the world.
Each death brings a heightened sense of anger (and a numerous range of other feelings) at the injustice of their illness being ignored. It is also hard, as whilst many offer comfort to those affected, it also brings a sense of ones own mortality (or that of the loved one you are caring for) to the fore.
We would therefore like to encourage the view that whilst the 25th of July is for remembering all those lost, it is not only to remember their passing, it also to celebrate their life and to remember and share the wonderful memories their time on this earth gave us.
On July 25th, wear your Red Shoes in memory of those who now walk elsewhere. Post the picture and your memories to our facebook page - which we will then upload to the website as a permanent reminder.
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Background on the Significance of Red Shoes
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The concept of Red Shoe Day began in an Australian Lyme support group after Theda’s passing last year: It stemmed from a conversation with regards to planting a tree in memory of Theda. After Carol's response regarding the trees, Tennille Pooley asked Carol what Theda's favourite colour was, so that she could make a sign with Theda's name for her garden.
Carol's reply: "Her favourite colour was green, unless it was shoes! She loved red shoes."
Melinda Borg was next to comment with "I love red shoes too, I will think of Theda every time I wear mine". With Kirsten Smith's following comment, "Red Shoe Day in her memory?", cementing the concept of launching Red Shoe Day in Theda's memory. Due to recently having worked on international awareness events, and knowing others advocates in various countries, Karen Smith felt that this event would be embraced by people all over the world (rather than just Theda's country of residence, Australia), and Red Shoe Day, became International Red Shoe Day.
When Karen and Lisa founded Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organisation - the remembrance day for all invisible illness's was an aim we were both committed to achieving, and with the support of many throughout the community the inaugural Red Shoe Day was July 25th 2014.
Carol's reply: "Her favourite colour was green, unless it was shoes! She loved red shoes."
Melinda Borg was next to comment with "I love red shoes too, I will think of Theda every time I wear mine". With Kirsten Smith's following comment, "Red Shoe Day in her memory?", cementing the concept of launching Red Shoe Day in Theda's memory. Due to recently having worked on international awareness events, and knowing others advocates in various countries, Karen Smith felt that this event would be embraced by people all over the world (rather than just Theda's country of residence, Australia), and Red Shoe Day, became International Red Shoe Day.
When Karen and Lisa founded Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organisation - the remembrance day for all invisible illness's was an aim we were both committed to achieving, and with the support of many throughout the community the inaugural Red Shoe Day was July 25th 2014.
Lyme Ninja Radio
Please visit the following pages to hear the interviews done with Karen Smith (Australia) and Lisa Hilton (United States) with Lyme Ninja Radio interviewer Mackay.
Part 1: Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton talk about Red Shoe Day. A day made to honor and remember those we have lost to Lyme diseaese and other invisible illnesses.
Part 2: Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton talk about their own journey through Lyme.
Part 3: In this section Karen and Lisa talk about the various challenges that the invisible illness community faces
Please visit the following pages to hear the interviews done with Karen Smith (Australia) and Lisa Hilton (United States) with Lyme Ninja Radio interviewer Mackay.
Part 1: Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton talk about Red Shoe Day. A day made to honor and remember those we have lost to Lyme diseaese and other invisible illnesses.
Part 2: Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton talk about their own journey through Lyme.
Part 3: In this section Karen and Lisa talk about the various challenges that the invisible illness community faces
"The Double Pinkie Swear."
Suicide has been a problem in the Lyme community due to lack of quality care, isolation and constant pain and unanswered questions that Lyme patients have to deal with everyday. Please visit this page to learn about "The Double Pinkie Swear." A campaign to end suicides in our community.
Suicide has been a problem in the Lyme community due to lack of quality care, isolation and constant pain and unanswered questions that Lyme patients have to deal with everyday. Please visit this page to learn about "The Double Pinkie Swear." A campaign to end suicides in our community.
