.svg)
Join us in celebrating the Feeding Tube Awareness Week which commences on February 5th. This important week was established by the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing support and information to parents and caregivers who have loved ones reliant on feeding tubes for nourishment. The sheer dedication and resilience of both caregivers and individuals using feeding tubes is what this week aims to honor and uplift. So gear up, because we have a lot to learn, share, and cherish as we navigate through the realities and triumphs of life sustained differently. Let's shine a light on their journey and make this week truly memorable!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1832</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Feeding Tube Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1832, Dr. Wilson, a Scottish physician, introduced the concept of the feeding tube by feeding a patient through a tube inserted into the stomach through the nose, marking the early stages of feeding tube use.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Peristeen Feeding Tube Creation</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1965, Stamm developed the Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tube, which allowed for easier, safer and more effective delivery of nutrients to patients who cannot take food orally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First PEG Procedure</div><div class='timeline-text'>In this year, the first successful PEG procedure was performed on a pediatric patient who could not swallow due to birth defects.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of FTA Foundation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation (FTAF) was founded in 2010, with a mission to support and uplift those who rely on feeding tubes for nourishment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Feeding Tube Awareness Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural Feeding Tube Awareness Week was celebrated in 2011, set as the first week of February, to bring attention to and support the community of those living with feeding tubes.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to a nonprofit organization</h3><p class='facts-text'>Start the week on a high note by making a donation to organizations like the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation or any other nonprofit supporting individuals with feeding tubes. This gesture not only provides financial support but shows that the community stands behind them.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host an informational event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Organize an event in your community or job that informs others about what a feeding tube is, why it's crucial to some, and how they can offer support. Inviting medical professionals to this discussion can also provide valuable insights.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Support a caregiver</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you know someone who is a caregiver for a loved one with a feeding tube, show them some appreciation. Maybe gift them a spa day or cook them a meal. Just let them know that their hard work doesn't go unnoticed.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Share stories on social media</h3><p class='facts-text'>A powerful way to raise awareness is by sharing personal stories. If you or someone you know is comfortable, share an experience about life with a feeding tube on social media. This can be a powerful method of educating and connecting with a wider audience.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Offer volunteer services</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you possess any skills that could be useful to families dealing with feeding tubes, offer your services voluntarily. It could be anything- from offering to babysit, to helping with home repairs or errands. Offering a helping hand in any way makes a world of difference.</p></div></div>
<div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Feeding Tube Awareness Week promotes empathy and understanding</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>This week allows us to gain a perspective into the lives of those who rely on feeding tubes for nourishment. It promotes empathy, understanding, and fosters supportive communities that appreciate the resilience and strength of these individuals.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Feeding Tube Awareness Week acknowledges caregivers</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Caregivers play a critical role in the lives of individuals using feeding tubes. This week serves to recognize their immense dedication and offer much needed appreciation— reminding them they are not alone in this journey.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Feeding Tube Awareness Week drives impactful support</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>The week presents an excellent opportunity for communities, nonprofits, and individuals to rally together and provide meaningful support. From raising funds to volunteering services, Feeding Tube Awareness Week drives initiatives that genuinely impact lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Feeding Tubes Are Lifesaving Tools for Many</h3><p class='facts-content'>Feeding tubes are vital for many individuals who can't eat or drink safely due to varying conditions, including certain types of cancer, neurological diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and birth defects.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Feeding Tubes Can Be Temporary or Permanent</h3><p class='facts-content'>Depending on the nature of the condition, some individuals may require feeding tubes temporarily - to bypass a healing area or provide nutrition during critical illness. Others may need them permanently, when oral feeding is not anticipated to be feasible in the future.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Different Types of Feeding Tubes Exist</h3><p class='facts-content'>Feeding tubes vary in their placement. Nasogastric tubes are inserted through the nose and into the stomach while PEG tubes are inserted directly into the abdomen. J-tubes, another variety, bypass the stomach and deliver food directly into the small intestine.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Feeding Tubes Don't Always Limit Mobility and Lifestyle</h3><p class='facts-content'>While feeding tubes do need care and attention, with proper management, many individuals with feeding tubes can still participate in a variety of activities and maintain a mobile lifestyle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Feeding Tubes Require Medical and Nutritional Supervision</h3><p class='facts-content'>Managing a feeding tube is a complex task that necessitates the involvement of caregivers, healthcare providers and registered dietitians. This multidisciplinary approach is crucial to ensure optimal health outcomes for those living with feeding tubes.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
