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Mark your calendars for February 15, because it's time to celebrate International Angelman Day! This day is dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that affects about 1 in 15,000 people worldwide. It was first observed in 2013 and has been celebrated every year since then with events, fundraisers, and social media campaigns. Let's spread some love and support for the amazing individuals with Angelman syndrome on this special day!
<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'>Angelman Syndrome Identified</div><div class='timeline-text'>English pediatrician Harry Angelman identified Angelman Syndrome when he noticed similarities between three children who had severe intellectual disability, lack of speech, a certain behavior with happy demeanor, walking and balance disorders, and seizures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Angelman Syndrome Foundation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF), the first organization specifically dedicated to Angelman Syndrome, was founded in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Angelman Syndrome Genetic Cause Discovered</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists discovered that Angelman Syndrome is typically caused by deletion or mutation of the UBE3A gene on the maternal 15th chromosome.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>FAST Foundation Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) was founded to fund research for treatments and a cure for Angelman Syndrome.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First International Angelman Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first International Angelman Day was held on February 15th, 2012. The day is dedicated to raising awareness and generating support for individuals with Angelman Syndrome, their families and the scientific community involved in research.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an awareness event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize an event to raise awareness for Angelman Syndrome, such as a walk or run, a charity auction, or a benefit concert. This is a great way to bring attention to the cause and show support for those affected by Angelman Syndrome.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear blue</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Blue is the official color for Angelman Syndrome awareness, so encourage others to wear blue on International Angelman Day. You can also purchase custom t-shirts or other merchandise with the Angelman Syndrome ribbon to show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn more about Angelman Syndrome</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to research and learn more about Angelman Syndrome. You can watch documentaries, read articles, and talk to individuals and families affected by the syndrome to gain a better understanding of it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support a local Angelman Syndrome organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that supports individuals with Angelman Syndrome and get involved. You can volunteer, donate, or participate in their events to show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you or someone you know is affected by Angelman Syndrome, share your story on social media or with friends and family. This can help raise awareness and show others the impact of this condition on individuals and families.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for Angelman Syndrome</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Angelman Day is an important opportunity to educate people about this rare genetic disorder. It helps increase understanding and support for the individuals and families affected by it.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes inclusion and acceptance of individuals with disabilities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating International Angelman Day, we are also promoting the idea of inclusivity and acceptance for people with disabilities. It's a day to recognize and celebrate the unique abilities and qualities of those with Angelman Syndrome.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings together a community of support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Angelman Day allows individuals, families, and organizations to come together as a community to show their support and solidarity. It creates a sense of belonging and connection for those affected by Angelman Syndrome, and helps them feel less alone in their journey.</p></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'>Angelman Syndrome was First Identified in 1965</h3><p class='facts-content'>British pediatrician Dr. Harry Angelman first described the syndrome, hence its name, after observing common features among three children in his practice.</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'>Angelman Syndrome is a Genetic Disorder</h3><p class='facts-content'>It's caused by a loss of function in the UBE3A gene on the maternal 15th chromosome. Notably, this gene typically helps regulate the activity of other genes.</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'>People with Angelman Syndrome May Have Unique Behavioral Characteristics</h3><p class='facts-content'>These include frequent laughter or smiling, an excitable demeanor, combined with a hyperactive and non-aggressive personality.</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'>Angelman Syndrome is Rare but Global</h3><p class='facts-content'>Approximately 1 in 12,000 to 20,000 people worldwide have Angelman Syndrome. It affects both males and females of all ethnicities equally.</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'>There is Currently No Cure for Angelman Syndrom</h3><p class='facts-content'>However, symptoms can be managed with therapies and interventions. Ongoing research looks towards not only advancing treatment options but eventual cure.</p></div></div>
International Angelman Day is celebrated on February 15 every year. In 2024 International Angelman Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Feb 15
Wednesday
2024
Feb 15
Thursday
2025
Feb 15
Saturday
2026
Feb 15
Sunday
2027
Feb 15
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