Red Shoe day

Pretty red shoes.

Gear up for Tuesday, July 25th with red shoes for a great cause. Any type. Any style. The only rule? They must be red.

International Red Shoe Day remembers and celebrates all those who have passed away from Lyme disease and other “invisible diseases” such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It was founded in memory of Theda Myint of Australia, who passed away from Lyme disease on July 25, 2013.

The year she died, her government continued to insist Lyme disease did not exist in that country — though many of its citizens were seriously ill from it. This day has quickly become established as an annual remembrance day to remember ​not only Theda, but all those others who are lost to Lyme and other invisible illnesses around the world.

Vivian created a hat in honour of International Red Shoe Day to help raise awareness. Hattingdon chose an unforgettable, attention-grabbing red stiletto fashion hat.

Theda Hattingdon.

International Red Shoe Day has also become a day to celebrate the importance of shoes, and to raise awareness of the millions of children who don’t have them.

People around the world are encouraged to donate new or gently used shoes to charity. In Australia, the charity that receives the most donations on International Red Shoe Day is Reach Out Australia, which helps provide shoes and footwear for children in need.

You can help

Share Theda’s story. Donate new or gently used shoes locally. Thank you!

Related reading

• More about Theda and her journey can be seen at :  Lyme Australia Recognition and Awareness (Theda Myint).

Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organisation »

Lyme Disease, CDC (Center for Disease Control). Note: Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.

Featured image: Pretty red shoes. Image not cited.