Supporters set to raise Cushing’s awareness throughout April
April 8 marks Cushing’s Awareness Day in honor of physician Harvey Cushing
Cushing’s Awareness Day, which marks the birthday on April 8 of Harvey Cushing, becomes Cushing’s Awareness Month this year thanks to the efforts of the Cushing’s Support & Research Foundation (CSRF), which hopes to shine some light throughout the month on this group of diseases caused by excessive exposure to the hormone cortisol.
Cushing, a physician, first described Cushing’s disease, one of the most common types of Cushing’s syndrome that’s caused by tumors on the pituitary gland, more than a century ago.
Among this year’s initiatives is the 30 for 30 social media project, where CSRF will post a daily trivia question related to Cushing’s on its website, and on Facebook and Instagram throughout April. Correct answers will earn points toward a prize raffle and points can also be earned in other ways, including by making a one-time or recurring donation. The number of points accumulated in April represents the number of times a person’s name is entered into the raffle. Winners, who will be selected during the first week of May, will win CSRF swag, such as an insulated drinking tumbler, T-shirts, or hoodie sweatshirts. Six gifts will be given away and those who actively participate throughout the month will receive gifts, such as vinyl stickers or awareness pins.
In a March 31 Facebook post, CSRF indicated it will be “dropping several surprises,” in amongst its trivia questions. “Keep an eye on this space and get ready to advocate and educate your social media friends and family during our awareness month.”
Calling attention to Cushing’s syndrome
As in past years, Cushing’s Awareness Day will also feature a number of other initiatives.
The Pituitary Foundation hosted an educational talk and accompanying article that’s already available online from Niamh Martin, a professor of endocrinology at Imperial College London and a consultant physician at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Martin discussed Cushing’s, its symptoms, and options for treatment.
On Awareness Day, MJH Life Sciences will host “Practical Strategies for Identifying and Screening for Hypercortisolism,” a virtual event that will feature perspectives from expert clinicians on how doctors can recognize the signs of Cushing’s, the diagnostic tests that can screen for it, and the consequences of a delayed or missed diagnosis. Registration is open for the event, which will be held at 7 p.m. EST.
The World Alliance of Pituitary Organizations (WAPO) will release a “Walk With WAPO” video where patient advocates share what it’s like to live with Cushing’s disease and why advocacy matters. The group has already posted a sneak peak of some quotes from advocates on Facebook and Instagram.
“The lack of awareness in the mainstream community means that there are probably lots of people out there with Cushing’s disease that are being misdiagnosed or that just don’t know about it,” said Malini, a patient advocate.
On the emotional impact of Cushing’s, Stephane, another advocate, wrote: “It is difficult to understand yourself, let alone trying to explain it to others. So it can affect relationships with friends, family and loved ones.”
The full video will become available on Awareness Day on WAPO’s website and YouTube channel.
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