Join Us in Raising Awareness of These Causes in June

By Hannah Barnett, 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 NHC members’ missions and spread awareness.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Worldwide, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Join the Alzheimer’s Association in raising awareness this June. There are various ways you can get involved:

• Go purple. Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement. Turn your profile picture purple or wear your favorite purple garb to bring the fight to #endalz to the limelight.
• Share your story. Be a part of the Alzheimer’s Associations gallery by sharing a photo on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtags #endalz or #endalzheimers. Follow @alzassociation to stay tuned in to all the ways you can take action in June.
• Take Action.
• Join the Longest Day. On June 21 – the summer solstice – people across the world will participate in a fundraising activity on the longest day of the year. The Alzheimer’s Assocation offers a variety of activities, from bowling to motorcycling to having a cookout, that you can plan or join to raise money for Alzheimer’s.
• Pledge to support the fight to end Alzheimer’s by becoming an advocate. Join the hundreds of thousands of Alzheimer’s advocates who take simple actions that help influence national policy and create widespread awareness.

Cataract Awareness Month

To educate the public on the leading cause of blindness worldwide, Prevent Blindness has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month. Prevent Blindness is offering free information about cataracts online and a free online module with a complete cataract guide as part of its Healthy Eyes Educational Series.

Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health month. Follow @menshealthmonth and #menshealthmonth to learn more. This year, NHC member Mental Health America is focusing on eating disorders, weight bias, body dysmorphia, and diet culture for men. MHA created a 5 Minute Guide to Men’s Mental Health to help raise awareness about common issues surrounding men’s health. If you think you or a loved-one may be experiencing signs of a mental illness, visit www.mhascreening.org to take a free, quick, and confidential screen for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and/or Alcohol or Substance Use problems.

Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) is launching a “Light the Map Teal” campaign as part of their mission to make sure every state is participating in its awareness efforts. Make sure to post on social media with the hashtag #MGStrong to show your commitment to MG Awareness and inspire others to do the same.

Worldwide LAM Awareness Month

June has been designated Worldwide LAM Awareness Month (WWLAM) by the Worldwide LAM Patient Coalition. WWLAM brings together the global community in a collaborative effort to educate the world about the signs and symptoms of LAM, raise funds to support women living with LAM and share achievements to inspire researchers and clinicians to optimize therapies and find a cure for LAM. The LAM Foundation urges you to take part in Worldwide LAM Awareness Month. Here are a few ways you can participate:

• Post the WWLAM logo as your social media profile picture for the month of June.
• Educate your healthcare providers by sharing the LAM Foundations’ Air We Breathe campaign and LAM Treatment Guidelines.
• Reach out to your local government officials to tell your story, and ask them to declare June “Worldwide LAM Awareness Month.”

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month (May 15-June 15)

The Tourette Association of America (TAA) offers easy ways to raise awareness, foster acceptance, and support its mission to make life better for all people affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders.

People with Tourette Syndrome have long been misunderstood and mocked. Take the Tourette Pledge to stop using Tourette Syndrome as a punchline.

Go social by spreading the #ThisisTourette and #TouretteAwareness hashtag with your followers.

Participate in Teal Tuesdays: Wear teal on Tuesdays to support Tourette! Post some pictures on Social Media and tag the Tourette Association.

Lace up your sneakers and join a Team Tourette Event to help raise funds for research, educational programs, awareness activities, and other services. Join TAA for their annual 5k walk/run on May 19 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. You can also run on behalf of Team Tourette at the upcoming TCS New York City Marathon.

Contact your Congressional leaders to advocate for the most pressing public policy issues that face the Tourette Syndrome community.