Empty Red Shoes

The Facebook page which publicised and organised Red Shoe Day  to remember people who have lost their lives to Lyme Disease and other invisible illnesses gained the support of nearly 1000 people.  Many people from around the world posted photographs of themselves and their families wearing their red shoes (or slippers, socks, or even red toenails); evidence that awareness of Lyme Disease, related diseases, and the severity of them is growing around the world.  Hopefully this will lead to greater awareness in the medical community too, and result in faster, more effective treatment in the early stages - most importantly, hopefully it will prevent further deaths in the future.  

One of the most poignant images posted on Red Shoe Day's facebook page is the one I want to share below.  I don't think the photograph needs any explanation or description, I think this emotive image of empty shoes perfectly represents the reason for Red Shoe Day. 
 

Posted by
Marianne Verheyen
to the Red Shoe Day Facebook page

Red Shoe Day

Red Shoe Day is an international day of remembrance for those who have lost their lives due to Lyme disease and other invisible illnesses.  It is also intended to be a celebration of their lives - and perhaps just give us a moment to pause and appreciate ours.

"Red Shoe Day was established in memory of Australian Lyme (previously ME/CFS diagnosis) Patient, Theda Myint who left this earth on the 25th July 2013. It is envisaged that this day will become an annual remembrance day to remember not only Theda, but all those lost to Lyme and other invisible illnesses worldwide."

(From: Worldwide Lyme Borreliosis Association)


Share your red shoe photos on the Red Shoe Facebook page


We hope that increasing awareness of Lyme borreliosis and associated diseases, including other invisible illnesses will help prevent deaths in the future.

“Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all.”

  ~ Emily Dickinson