By Deasia Lamar, Communications Intern

Patient advocacy organizations work tirelessly to educate, promote, advocate, and raise awareness and funding for their causes. Awareness months give us the opportunity to rally around a common objective and show these organizations how much we appreciate their work. Here’s how you can help advance these groups’ missions and spread awareness. 

Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month 

Join the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association (AARDA) in March for Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month (ADAM). Every March, AARDA leads an awareness campaign for ADAM. AARDA is dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases and the alleviation of suffering and the socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity. In honor of ADAM, AARDA has put together several events to raise awareness, spread information and increase knowledge about autoimmune issues. This March, the AARDA is hosting a slate of activities during ADAM. 

Ways to get involved: 

• Support AARDA on social media for updates. 
• Become an Autoimmune Disease Advocate. 
• Make a donation to the AARDA. 
• Keep a lookout for up and coming AARDA events during March.  

National Kidney Month 

March is National Kidney Month. The National Kidney Foundation works to educate and promote awareness about kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by functioning normally. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 37 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk. During March, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) continues to highlight the work that they do in order to fight against kidney disease, and help people living with Kidney Disease find access to resources and patient Networks.  

Ways to get involved: 

• Check out the NKF Infographic on National Kidney Month. 
• Follow the National Kidney Fund on Social Media. 
• Make a donation to the American Kidney Fund.  
• Learn about living donors.  

According to the American Kidney Fund, 37 million Americans are living with kidney disease. During National Kidney Month, the American Kidney Fund encourages advocates to stand together and fight kidney disease on all fronts. This month, the American Kidney Fund is focusing their attention on showcasing the stories of kidney disease patients and their families, driving awareness of kidney disease, empowering those at risk to prevent it, and educating people with kidney disease on how they can manage it. Join the American Kidney Fund all month long for activities that increase awareness and knowledge of kidney disease.  

Ways to get involved: 

• Change your profile picture to support kidney disease awareness. 
• Support the American Kidney Fund of social media. 
• Take a Kidney Quiz. 
• Download AKF Kids calendar art.  

National MS Education and Awareness Week 

Join the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in observing March 7-13 as National MS Education and Awareness Week. Multiple Sclerosis is an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS). Every day, people living with MS do whatever it takes to move their lives forward despite the challenges. By sharing their stories, we help people better understand life with MS and become inspired to do whatever it takes to change the world for people living with MS. During this week, the National MS Society is highlighting the stories of those who are living with MS to raise awareness and create space for people living with MS to build community and seek MS resources. 

Ways to get involved: 

• Explore Powerful Stories of MS Patients.  
• Use #ThisIsMS on Social Media. 
• View top resources for MS Patients.  
• Give a Donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  

Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month 

March is nationally recognized as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. Join National Hemophilia Foundation in celebrating and honoring the bleeding disorders community during March. Bleeding disorders result when the blood’s ability to form a clot at the site of blood vessel injury is impaired. During Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, NHF invite members, friends, and supporters of the bleeding disorders community to join in raising critical awareness and funds to improve the lives of those diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. 

Ways to get involved: 

• Sport your favorite red shirt, vintage camp shirt, or even your red #NHFShoes. 
• Connect with other families affected by bleeding disorders in your area through NHF’s chapter network. 
• Use #BDAM or #BleedingDisordersAwarenessMonth on Social Media.  
• Learn more about bleeding disorders. 

National Hemophilia Awareness Month 

Join Hemophilia Federation of America in celebrating March as National Hemophilia Awareness Month. March is designated to create public awareness about bleeding disorders. Bleeding disorders (most commonly hemophilia and von Willebrand disease) are genetic disorders that impair the body’s ability to clot properly. In March the HFA highlights President Reagan’s declaration of Hemophilia Awareness month in 1986, along with showcasing the work that the HFA does year-round. During this month, the HFA encourages advocates to spread the word about Hemophilia Awareness Month by sharing information with family and friends.  

Ways to get involved: 

• Learn More about Hemophilia here. 
• Learn more about von Willebrand Disease here. 
• Become an HFA advocate. 
• Read on HFA research.