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Raising  Awareness  Through  The  Power  Of  Multimedia

             Our Pledge
      Weishendo Publications is dedicated to Raising the Awareness of Autoimmune Diseases, by using multimedia as a platform to reach others. We are committed to reaching those who are unaware of the effects, by sharing knowledge about these and other illnesses, and how they affect our society.

President & Vice President of Weishendo Publications
Zachary E. Lewis  &  Lori Lynn Lewis

      Mr. Lewis story starts out on January 1st, of 1985 as he sat down one Saturday afternoon to watch a martial arts movie. Six years later he wrote down detailed notes of what would be the foundation of his principles and philosophy, which he called Wei - Shen - Do (way of the active spirit). Having done what few people could only dream of doing, he went a step further. Mr. Lewis spent the next seventeen yrs. trying to understand the answers from a question that was given to him from his late grandmother. On December 21st, 2007 everything, started to make sense. Putting mind, body, and spirit into a meditative state for eight months, on July 31st, 2008 Mr. Lewis had reached the end of his journey by creating "The Principles & Philosophy of WEISHENDO", which he used to help start his own company which he called, Weishendo Publications. Little did he know his journey had only just begun. On August 8th, of 2008 Mr. Lewis met his future wife and co-founder, Lori Lynn Lewis. 

    From June 17th, of 2009, - to present: With the help of his lovely wife Lori, Mr. Lewis has written such works as "The Burly Man" (which tells the events that led to his diagnosis of two incurable diseases called Polymyositis, and Lupus); and "The Principles & Philosophy of WEISHENDO Revised Abridged Edition", (to help him better understand himself and others.) It was during this time frame that Mr. Lewis, and Lori were married on July 25, 2009.  Mr. Lewis has taken something negative and turned it into something positive by using his own techniques to help him fight against the illnesses that plagues his mind, body, and spirit. With the edition of his newly released third book, "The Divine Spear & Intrinsic Staff of WEISHENDO" (which is a special exercise book that he developed to help him maintain a better quality of life,) he has taken his art form to a whole new level by adapting it for others. He truly is a Modern Day Warrior.

© Copyright 2014 Weishendo Publications INC. All Rights Reserved U.S.A.
The above video presented is for educational, and informational awareness of autoimmune diseases.         You should not use this information to replace any medical advice, or services provided by your doctor.

    In addition to his other works Mr. Lewis is also involved with, and has started organizations, in an effort to reach others. Such as: "R. A. A. I. D." (which is a cause founded by Mr. Lewis that helps to Raise The Awareness of Auto-Immune Disease.) The organization ''R. A. A. I. D.'' can be found on Facebook @: www.facebook.com/weishendopublications

    "The R. A. A. I. D. Channel" (which is another cause also founded by Mr. Lewis which is dedicated to sharing video's for, and about Auto-Immune Disease.) "The R. A. A. I. D. Channel" can be found on YouTube @: www.youtube.com/polymyositis 

    There is also The R - U AWARE feed from Twitter. You can follow along, and tweet about the different topic's on autoimmune disease @: https://twitter.com/_raaids_

    If you're in a pinning mood then stop by and catch the latest from Pinterest. Pin, follow along, and share awareness pins and links @: https://www.pinterest.com/RAAIDS/
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Awards Reviews & Interviews

       Mr. Lewis has received a 4-star, and 5-star ratings review, (5 being the highest) from two esteem literary review companies. He was awarded 4-stars from Indie Reader Discovery Awards  Contest, and currently ranked in the top three of the biography category. He was awarded 5-stars, from Readers Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest, and advanced to the final round of judging. Mr. Lewis is  also an official 2011/12 winner of: The Authors Show 50 Great  Writers You Should Be Reading.

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The Myositis Association  "THE OUTLOOK"
Mr. Lewis was interviewed, and featured on the cover of the 2013 Spring Edition.
by Theresa Curry

   Once a strong, busy, and energetic man, Zachary E. Lewis was hit with a one-two punch of lupus, and polymyositis, that almost knocked him out. A long-time practitioner of martial arts, Zachary fought back ferociously.

   You'll find his story in "The Burly Man," an honest chronicle of Zachary's struggle to understand and ultimately rise above his debilitating and mysterious symptoms. Zachary posts as "Burly Man" on Facebook, with insight, commentary, and links to information of interest to people with myositis. You can also follow him on Twitter.

 Pain, weakness and uncertainty became constant companions to Zachary as he followed a path familiar to many with myositis, visiting doctor after doctor, taking test after test, landing in the emergency room in great pain, with dramatic symptoms and no explanation in sight. He had to leave a physically   demanding job he liked and was successful at, and was forced to rely on the support of a new wife and stepdaughter while struggling not to be a burden to them. True to his long-held beliefs, he also searched for ways to gain wisdom and find deepened relationships from personal hardship.

    Zachary says it seemed automatic to him, given his background and philosophy, to take an extremely proactive approach to his painful physical condition. 
   His choice as he saw it was never whether he would aggressively confront his diseases -- that was a given — but which approach he should choose to overcome the pain and multiple challenges of polymyositis along with the organ damage, sun sensitivity and temporary confusion of lupus.

 Combining eastern and western thought, Zachary already had a fundamental philosophy in place, a system of thought and action that he had named "Weishendo." From his studies, he had learned to "adapt, change, assimilate, and transcend." Translated from Chinese, Weishendo means "the way of the active spirit." (WEI = active, Shen = spirit, DO = way or path.) Although this philosophy had been part of Zachary's life for years, it was truly tested by his fall from robust health.

 Today, Zachary says, he shows improvement, although he has experienced a couple of setbacks caused by strenuous activity. He damaged his left rota-tor cuff and right and left elbows, injuries he credits to his aggressive, trial-and-error rehabilitation program.

   "I am constantly pushing myself to see just how much I can take mentally, and physically," Zachary writes from Santa Barbara. The setbacks were temporary despite the injuries, a recent appointment with his rheumatologist shows Zachary is gaining strength.

   Another part of Zachary's strategy was to work closely with his physician to find the right balance of medications. He takes a
a number of drugs to control pain, combat inflammation and deal with the other symptoms of his two chronic diseases.

   Zachary said he was glad to be able to stop taking prednisone. In the early days of his illness, where he sometimes barely clung to life, he took extremely high doses. Partly because of the Prednisone and partly because he couldn't move around, Zachary — who had always prided himself on extreme physical fitness gained more than 40 pounds shortly after his diagnosis. Tapering off that drug and experimenting with an exercise program has helped Zachary's return to strength.

     As for his other medications, he says, "I am slowly trying to get off of them with the help of my rheumatologist and urologist." At his last appointment, his laboratory results showed his medicine-exercise combination was having a positive effect. The results were the best since the start of Zachary's illness: proof, he says, that his research and hard work are paying off.

   With great thought and effort,  Zachary came up with a diet and fitness plan that works for him. He's lost the prednisone weight and is down to 195 pounds, and has also gained back some of his former strength and flexibility.

   Unable to return to his former job, Zachary spends his time as an advocate for explaining the difficulties and promoting the understanding of autoimmune disease. He runs his own publication company, Weishendo -
Publications, from his home, and writes materials for people who suffer from autoimmune disease. 

   He is the author of “The Principles & Philosophy of Weishendo" and “The Divine Spear & Intrinsic Staff of Weishendo," as well as “The Burly Man", the diary of his experiences with polymyositis.

    Zachary also moderates an awareness group on Facebook called, R.A.A.I.D., which stands for "Raising Awareness of Auto-Immune Disease." He is the creator of several YouTube channels, one dedicated to Weishendo, and one to educating people about autoimmune disease.

  Underlying his practical advice is his unique philosophy inspired by 20 years in the martial arts, but also tempered by his own personal suffering.

  He has some advice for anyone struggling with chronic disease. "Find purpose in your life, and what you do each day," he says. "You have to tell yourself each day that you can defeat this disease. You will defeat anything it throws your way. Take control of it, and never let it shape or mold you into a finite structure. Seek out support groups, or others who share your illness, and inquire about what they have done to fight against it."

"Recent Update"
Mr. Lewis has dropped 70 pounds. He went from 256 lbs. to 185 lbs. in under 7 months, and is gaining back his strength, and flexibility.  
Accredited to his personal diet and fitness plan. Find out how he accomplished this in his new book, The Divine Spear & Intrinsic Staff of WEISHENDO.
Mr. Lewis is Currently off all prescribed drugs and medications as of August 1, 2015 to present.

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Cold Water Press
Mr. Lewis was interviewed and featured in the first edition of: 
Cold Water Press by Noah Dundas 

1. A lot of people are not familiar with the nature of auto immune diseases, you happen to be someone who has a couple at the same time, can you tell us a little bit about these.
 I was diagnosed with Polymyositis on February 12, 2010. I was diagnosed with Lupus on August 25, 2010.  Both diseases are incurable. Polymyositis is an Autoimmune Disease where the immune system attacks and destroys healthy muscle tissue. The primary job of the immune system is to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancer cells, germs, and etcetera. In short, your muscles, and connective tissue are attacked by your immune system 24 hrs. a day. Some of the symptoms are muscle pain, fatigue, chronic pain, and inflammation to name a few. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects every major organ of the human body. With it you have a variety of symptoms to deal with. You are sensitive to sunlight on your skin, and eyes. You have muscle pain, skin rashes or Malar Rash on the bridge of nose. Other common symptoms are, fatigue, joint pain, inflammation, swelling, lung problems, etc.... etc.... Because of the symptoms involved with autoimmune diseases, they can be misdiagnosed, or easily mistaken for something else. I was fortunate to have been diagnosed in eight months.

2. Since there are no known cures, what sort of things are you doing to help heal?
     After finding out how both diseases would affect me, I came up with a daily diet, and exercise plan. The diet plan would allow me to lose the extra weight I gained from being immobile for so many months, and slowly rebuild my body so it could fight back against both diseases. The exercise plan would allow me to regain my strength, and flexibility. I went from 215 lbs. to 256 lbs. in a matter of months. This was also due to a medication called Prednisone. Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immuno suppressant drug. It also has the ability to make you gain weight.  After being on this drug for over a year, I decided to taper off of it, and lose weight. With continued use of the drug I was in danger of harmful side effects that could be permanent. With the success of my diet and exercise plan In the last two years, I have dropped all but one medication, and lost the weight I gained. I might add that I lost all the weight I gained while still taking prednisone. I quit taking it shortly after. I hope to be off all drugs, and medications by the end of the year. My current weight is 185 pounds, and my current health has improved due in part to my holistic approach to healing myself.  
3. You have written a book about your experiences, how did you manage to write, produce and promote a book while also struggling with illness?
     The book itself started out as a daily journal that I used to record the events that were happening in my life, from June 17, 2009 to June of 2010. I wanted to keep track of everything, so I could possibly find answers to what was going on. The end result was a book that could give people an in-depth look, at what it’s like to live with a chronic incurable disease day to day.  The name of the book is called “The Burly Man”, which was titled after myself. After writing The Burly Man I decided to promote, and produce the book on my own. Through Facebook, Youtube, and other multimedia plate forms, I was able to share with people my triumphs, and defeats. This way I could share with people at my own pace, and still concentrate on my health concerns. It has been a constant struggle to maintain everything on a daily basis physically. The satisfaction that it brings me to help others has been a healing tool within itself.  

4. Can you tell us a little bit about starting your own publishing company? What are some of the things that brought this about; did you try the traditional route, agent, publisher…?   
        I never intended on starting my own publishing company. It was something that came out of necessity. When I first found out how both diseases would affect me, I researched both illnesses on my own. The stumbling block was trying to find information that could give me an accurate description of what my life would be like. Sadly there was nothing out there that could accurately explain what it would be like day to day. So I produced, and published The Burly Man. In the beginning I did approached a few publishing companies, but it was a waste of time. None of them saw a need for such a book. So I decided to form Weishendo Publications, so people like you, and I could find helpful information on autoimmune diseases. In Chinese WEI-SHEN-DO means, the way of the active spirit. I had previously written a book called “The Principles & Philosophy of WEISHENDO”. It was based on my own outlook on life, and how to adapt, change, assimilate, and transcend. It was these principles that also help to form Weishendo Publications. I adapted everything I learned in life, changed and assimilated it until I was able to transcend it. 
5. One of the things I admire most about you is that you are a tireless advocate, not only for yourself, but also for seemingly anyone who needs it. Does advocating for others give you strength and energy to keep up your own struggle?
   Yes it does. I learned a long time ago that giving back, and being positive was the key to living an enlightened life. For years I was bitter, and negative. I blamed everything that happened to me on anyone around me. But after I realized it was all me, I made the change to be more positive. Negative energy fuels a negative persona, while positive energy fuels a positive persona. You have to be willing to accept the choice to be giving, and positive. After accepting this choice I later came up with an equation that I incorporated into my daily life. You occupy the space that you’re in, utilize your time, and be realistic throughout your life.   S t2 = R /∞
6. Martial Arts has been crucial in the spread of and understanding of Chinese and other forms of Asian based medical approaches. How crucial is the practice of martial arts to your healing practice?
        For me martial arts was one of the things that saved my life. I have practiced and studied martial arts for over 25 years. After being diagnosed, I decided to adapt my knowledge and skills so I could help myself & others. The end result was a system that I created called, “The Divine Spear & Intrinsic Staff of WEISHENDO”. It is a daily fitness / diet plan for people who suffer from range of motion issues, and limited movement. It’s a unique blend of eastern and western techniques, and philosophy. The exercise plan teaches you the basics of movement, and how to retrain your body. The diet plan gives you the building blocks to a healthier body. The philosophy helps you to become stronger mentally, so you can deal with the daily struggles of life. All this combined with my other books are a part of what I call “The Road to Remission Series”. 
7. For your book you use the image of yourself wrapped in a straight jacket. Can you explain the use of this image? 
   Ah yes the infamous straight jacket photo. I have had a lot of people ask me about this. I was actually going through one of my many trips to the ER at the time. What looked like a straight jacket was actually a white sheet. I was in a severe flare-up at the time. I told my wife Lori I was extremely cold so she gave me a few sheets to wrap myself up with. The nurse took my temperature which was extremely high.  But for some reason I could not get warm enough. For those that don’t know. When you are experiencing a flare-up, the symptoms of your illness can worsen without warning. This will cause you to feel ten times worse than you normally feel. It can also be something triggering the flare-up, depending on the illness. In my case I was extremely fatigued, dehydrated, and going through sever muscle spasms, topped off with a high fever. My body was completely out of sync. So the picture represented the lowest point I had ever been in my entire life. I also wanted to show people the affect an autoimmune disease could have on you if it were out of your control.

8. You and others have often described autoimmune diseases as being invisible. Can you explain to us a little bit about what this is like, to be sick but not look sick or disabled? 
         To be sick but not appear to have any sign of a sickness or diseases, can be devastating to you mentally. You are constantly dealing with the side effects of your disease, but you also have to put up with harassment, and abuse from those that have no clue you’re sick. So when you’re out in public, to others you look completely normal. For example. I use a disability placard from time to time when I need to. To those that don’t know me, I look as though I am abusing the system by parking in a handicap parking space. With most autoimmune diseases your physical appearance can look normal, while the internal workings of your body are being affected.  So the term or phrase, “but you don’t look sick”, is often uttered by those that mock people who truly have a chronic disease.
9. While devastating, illness can often teach us things. What are some of the lessons you have learned since getting sick?
         I think the first thing I learned was to not give up, and keep fighting. I never knew I had an internal will inside of me to keep fighting, until I was diagnosed. I lived for almost fifteen, sixteen years without ever going to a doctor. Then all of a sudden at the age of forty-six, I’m told I have an incurable disease. It was as if someone turned on a switch. I went into survival mode. The second thing was, how humble I became. For years you take simple things for granted. You never know how much you miss something until its gone. The third and most important was that it made me more generous to others, and there struggle. I want to do all I can, so others out there will not have to suffer like I did. If what I’m doing has helped anyone, then I have truly learned what it means to be an advocate. To me an advocate means giving everything you have, and never expecting anything in return. 

10.  Any last words of advice for people who want to do what you do?
          The only thing I could say to anyone is what I say to myself every day.  “The will to fulfill, or advance in any task is lost, if you lack the effort to do so.” If you don’t really want to do it, it will show in your actions. You have to have a pure heart, and a compassion for life. If you’re doing this to be seen, or noticed, you will find out rather quickly that you’re wasting your time. Do it because it’s in your heart, and soul. Not because of any greed or lust you have built up inside of you.
"For all of you out there
that think it cannot 
be done, I'm proof
that it can."
    256 lbs 6 ft. 1 in. 48 yrs. old.          The Biggest I've ever been.               Current weight 180 lbs.

The Authors Show Contest

      The Authors Show has published its 3rd edition of "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading". The 50 authors to be included in this book were pulled from our contest finalists. In this third year of our contest, 112 finalists were selected from the pool of guests who have been interviewed between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012 on all our six shows under the umbrella of The Authors Show. From November 2 through November 10, the public voted for their favorite authors from these 112 finalists. The top 50 authors selected by the public won a spot in 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. Mr. Lewis was an official winner as a result of this contest. After fighting with everything he had for a entire year it all came down to this. He reached yet another goal, and made it to the final round of a contest that eluded him one year ago.

For anyone that is interested you can buy
The 50 Great Authors You Should Be Reading in paperback, or as a down load.

BOOK REVIEWS

Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite
http://readersfavorite.com/review/6173

      Zachary E. Lewis shares his struggle and journey with readers in his "The Burly Man: Adapt Change Assimilate Transcend" in the hope that it may benefit at least one person searching for an answer to an Auto Immune Disease. Zachary E. Lewis was a burly man. He was healthy and had a full life until June 17, 2009, when the medical nightmare began with severe chest pain. He felt as if Mike Tyson had hit him. The love of his life, Lori, a respiratory therapist, was determined they would find answers to his health issues. Many trips to the ER ensued from his chest pain. This was just the beginning of the unusual symptoms, and the battle to find a diagnosis. The indications varied from severe chest pain to pain in his right arm, and from weakness of the muscles to exhaustion. In a few short days he was labeled as a medical mystery. A television commercial for Lyrica caught his attention. The drug is used to treat, among other things, Fibromyalgia. He rushed to his computer and discovered he had several of the disease's symptoms. The doctor diagnosed Chronic Muscle Fatigue or Lupus or Lyme disease. It was a great relief for both Lewis and Lori to have at least some idea what was happening to his body. Finally they had a name for what plagued Mr. Lewis, Polymyositis. It is an Auto Immune Disease that has no cure.    

      Lewis continues his book with photos that make this story come to life. It is obvious that he was a healthy strong human until the disease suddenly hit. He has included “The Principles and Philosophy of Weishendo,” quotes, and illustrations. Toward the end of this book he lists the medications he was taking at the writing of this book. He includes dosage and side effects. Zachary Lewis has researched his disease very well. In "The Burly Man" he shares his heart, life, symptoms, and search for answers. I was touched by his difficult, long, and hard search for answers.

Reviewed by Peggy La Vake for Indie Reader
http://indiereader.com/2012/05/the-burly-man/

      Zachary Lewis, aka “The Burly Man,” writes an insightful and intimate biographical journal disclosing his struggle from his very first symptom until the definite diagnosis of Polymyositis, a rare and painful autoimmune disorder.

      Once a strong, vigorous, and healthy young man, Zachary wakes up one morning to find himself in excruciating pain. He is frightened and baffled, but approaches what will ultimately prove to be a long battle, with perseverance and the attitude of a fighter. After two visits to an Emergency Room, several visits to doctors, and an array of diagnostic tests, he and the medical professionals are still without an answer. Left feeling ill, weak and defenseless, Zachary navigates his personal life with the loving support of his new wife and stepdaughter. As a security professional, Zachary barely manages to work and finds that life is a daily challenge that continues to test his endurance both physically and emotionally. Still, he refuses to give up.

    “The Burly Man” is not just an intimate daily journal; it is also a love story and a visual multimedia portrayal of a family man who comes up against insurmountable odds. The book contains daily journal entries that are candid and humorous, despite the circumstances. It contains poetry, illustrations, photos and the wisdom from Zachary’s earlier writings, “The Principles and Philosophy of Weishendo.” From this he quotes “Even in Darkness, There is a Light.” These are words that inspire him and keep him on his personal battle field without turning back.

   For anyone who has ever been diagnosed with one of the many autoimmune disorders, “The Burly Man” is a testimony of faith and courage that offers a glimmer of hope. Life is not always easy and chronic illness is the ultimate test of our own ability to see the light within the darkness.

PWA  Popular Website Award

     In this world, somehow, all the limelight is always there on the rich. Yes, we all know Apple, and Google and Pepsi and KFC, they are beautiful companies and they should be always there in the news. However, what about that hardworking, simple, honest baker who sells the best cakes just down the street. He never increases his prices beyond what is justified. He never thinks of hiring an MBA to take his business to the next level. He is the guy we always recommend whenever there is a party in the neighborhood. We at PWA believe that these are the Heroes in real life. These are the small companies and firms we never miss unless they are gone. We wanted to identify these small and medium businesses, and showcase them to the world. With this mission, PWA was started. 

Owners & Operators

Mr. Zachary E. Lewis 

Title:

The President, co-owner and operator of RAAID, and Weishendo Publications. Medical Research, and editing, for RAAID is done by Mr. Lewis himself, as well as website design, and website management for RAAID. 

Funding:

RAAID is funded by, Mr. Lewis.

Credentials:

USAF Retired Rank of Sgt., Law Enforcement, Private Security Officer, Martial Arts Training, Associate Degree in Music Ed., Electronics, Associate Degree in Graphic Design / AutoCAD, Award winning Author with four books currently published. Award winning website designer, CPR & AED Certified, Physical Fitness Training. He is currently working on a certification from The NASM to be a personal trainer.

Mrs. Lori Lynn Lewis

Title:

The Vice President, co-owner, and Financial Officer for RAAID, and Weishendo Publications. Mrs. Lewis oversees all monetary operations, administrations, and legal actions for RAAID, and Weishendo Publications. 

Funding:

RAAID is co-funded by, Mrs. Lewis.

Credentials:

1999 - Current:  Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, Certified Provider of Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Basic Life Support. History: 1974 - 2000 Certified Home Health Aide / Nursing Assistant. 
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