Saturday, October 24, 2009

R.I.P. Steve L. Jefferson


Steve Passed away August 30th of this year. He was only 38 years old. The news was shocking as I found out on my news feed in facebook. I froze for what seemed like forever. You know when 10 billion thoughts go through your mind I guess that means you brain is trying to process the information. I never personally knew Steve but I have exchanged messages with him  several times. I can tell you what I had admired about him most is that as bad as his condition was. He never felt sorry for himself and I never saw him complaining about his symptoms. That's a role model and a hero in my book. I want people to know that. I would love for all those that read this blog entry to go to his facebook tribute page and just write a message for Steve. Even if you don't know him. If you have sarcoidosis and are dealing with this disease or know someone who is dealing with it then you in a way you did know Steve Jefferson. All of us who dealt with not being able to breath, night sweats, Pain, and too many other to mention symptoms then You knew who Steve was.
Something really important if we are to advance medical treatment or just find out more about this disease through research in the medical community is the spreading of awareness. You have this disease and don't like to talk about it I suggest you do. I start off by Mentioning Bernie Mac because everyone knew who he was. Sometimes some of us look great on the outside and on the inside we feel like crap, well that's something worth mentioning too. Tell as many people as you can and do it because you want them to know this is out there not because you want them to feel bad for you. Wear your sarcky Shirt, your red Sarcoidosis bracelet and display the purple ribbon so people can see it. Steve always talked about spreading awareness, so for him I will do the best I can to do just that.

One of the reasons breast cancer cases are down in current times is because there has been so many advancements in early detection all thanks to awareness efforts.

If your the praying type then prayers are needed for the Jefferson family as they get through this tough time.

His wife Londonne is determined to pick up where Steve left off in spreading awareness. She is a strong woman who is going through a lot with her kids and her family. Let's show her she is not alone in this struggle and visit the facebook tribute page.

2 comments:

Londonne Jefferson said...

David,
As I struggle to write this through my tears I want you to know this is a very strong and powerful tribute to my husband and your friend. I do encourage all to visit his tribute page and talk to him as you would have done in life. I know he fought a heavy battle with NeuroSarcoidosis and although he lost his battle he never abandoned his faith as far as getting awareness towards finding cure. The night he passed he passed the torch to me to continue his fight. I will fight with all of you as we make the public understand that this disease is such a serious matter. As I stated at his funeral I refuse to see someone else lose another husband, father, son, nephew, or friend to this devastating disease. I'm there with you all the way David.
Much Love & Prayers,
Londonne Jefferson & Family

DRojo said...

Thanks, Londonne. One day this disease will have enough awareness to attract more money for research. I mean if they can find out how we get it or where it comes from that might open some doors for improvements on treatments and maybe one day possibly a cure.

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