Conferences and events across the Inspire communities

Cervical Health Awareness Month

Cervical cancer is both a detectable and preventable disease that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with cervical cancer. People of color and those living in rural areas are diagnosed with cervical cancer in greater numbers, and with more advanced forms of the disease.

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), a program of the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), is a grassroots initiative with 39 local chapters providing education and support in communities across the U.S.

NCCC recognizes January as Cervical Health Awareness Month (#CHAM). This month we’ll wear our teal ribbons in memory of those we’ve lost and to support patients, survivors, families, and caregivers who are coping with diagnosis and treatment. It’s a perfect time for our local chapters to highlight issues related to cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, the virus associated with virtually all cases of cervical cancer.

A key issue is making sure vulnerable, underserved communities all have equal access to lifesaving prevention tools such as Pap and HPV tests and cervical cancer vaccines. We have the means to prevent cervical cancer, now we need to find the will.

Our #CHAM page has free resources including videos, podcasts, fact sheets, press release templates, and much more. Please visit us at https://www.nccc-online.org/cervical-health-awareness-month/. Together we can #StopHPVCancer!

Join the NCCC Community on Inspire to learn more.

Feeding Tube Awareness Week

When asked why Feeding Tube Awareness Week is important to her, Oley Foundation member Evie says, “I’d like others to know that tube feeding has literally saved my life, and that having a feeding tube doesn’t have to slow you down. I have severe gastroparesis…but I don’t let my medical issues stop me from trying to reach my goals….Despite the challenges, I will continue to push forward, feeding tubes and all!” 

Every year in early February, the Oley Foundation, with other organizations and individuals, recognizes the role tube feeding plays in the lives of many. This year, Feeding Tube Awareness Week is February 6-10. Among other events to help raise awareness and provoke discussion, the Oley Foundation will hold a webinar titled “Tube Feeding at Work and School” and virtual social hours so those with feeding tubes and their caregivers can gather and talk.

In 2017, it was estimated that there were 189,036 pediatric patients and 248,846 adult patients on home tube feeding in the United States. If that includes you or your loved one, please know that you are not alone. Join us for Feeding Tube Awareness Week, and share your voice.

To learn more about Feeding Tube Awareness Week, visit the Oley Foundation.

Join the Oley Foundation Community on Inspire to learn more.

Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month. The thyroid is a gland located in the base of the neck. It influences many of the most important organs in the body, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and skin. According to the American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologists, thyroid diseases impact as many as 30 millions Americans, and women are up to five times more likely to develop thyroid issues than men. Thyroid diseases include:

• Hashimoto’s disease
• Nodules
• Thyroid cancer
• Graves’ disease
• Thyroid eye disease

In addition, undiagnosed thyroid issues can cause increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and more.

Symptoms of thyroid disease can mirror other conditions. If you think you have a thyroid condition, your doctor can do a thyroid test to check your thyroid gland.

To learn more about any of the above conditions, you can join the Inspire Thyroid Diseases Community or Thyroid Cancer Connect Community.

National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month. Every year, as many as 6.8 million Americans donate blood. One donation can often save more than one life.

If you are thinking about becoming a blood donor, you can find a donation center near you through the American Red Cross.

Give blood

Rare Disease Day at the National Institutes of Health

On February 28, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will host their Rare Disease Day. Rare Disease Day at NIH aims to raise awareness about rare diseases, the people they affect, and NIH collaborations that address scientific challenges and advance research for new treatments.

The goals of Rare Disease Day at NIH are to:

• Demonstrate the NIH commitment to helping people with rare diseases through research.
• Highlight NIH-supported rare diseases research and the development of diagnostics and treatments.
• Initiate a mutually beneficial dialogue among the rare diseases community.
• Exchange the latest rare diseases information with stakeholders to advance research and therapeutic efforts.
• Shine a spotlight on stories told by people living with a rare disease, their families and their communities.
• Bring together a broad audience including patients, patient advocates, caregivers, health care providers, researchers, trainees, students, industry representatives and government staff.

Register to attend