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Get ready to raise awareness for a serious and often overlooked condition during National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week, which occurs from October 6-12. This week is dedicated to bringing attention to aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), two rare blood disorders that can greatly impact individuals and their loved ones. Despite the seriousness of these diseases, there is still hope as advancements in research and treatments continue to be made. Let's come together to support those affected by these conditions and spread awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Aplastic Anemia Discovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Paul D. MacLean and colleagues described the clinical features and course of aplastic anemia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Aplastic Anemia Drug</div><div class='timeline-text'>Androgens, the first drug known to stimulate the bone marrow and increase blood cell production, were introduced to treat aplastic anemia patients.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bone Marrow Transplants</div><div class='timeline-text'>Advancements in bone marrow transplants began providing a new treatment for aplastic anemia patients.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation was established to support patients, educate health professionals, and promote research.</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'>First National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week was held, promoting understanding and awareness of these diseases.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Awareness Week Continuation</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week is recognized annually to increase knowledge and support for patients, caregivers, physicians, and researchers.</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 a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family to host a fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for aplastic anemia and MDS research. You can have a bake sale, a silent auction, or even a benefit concert.</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'>Share information on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the word about aplastic anemia and MDS by sharing important information and statistics on your social media platforms. Use hashtags like #AAMDSAwarenessWeek to reach a wider audience.</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'>Organize a blood drive</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with a local blood bank to organize a blood drive in honor of Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week. This is a great way to not only raise awareness, but also help those in need of blood transfusions.</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'>Wear red to show your support</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to wear red in support of Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week. Take a group photo and share it on social media to spread awareness.</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'>Write to your local government officials</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this week as an opportunity to write letters or emails to your local government officials, urging them to prioritize funding for aplastic anemia and MDS research and treatment programs.</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 these conditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week brings attention to less commonly known medical conditions, educating the public about their symptoms, causes, and treatments. This can help those affected by the diseases feel seen and understood, and can potentially lead to more support and funding for research.</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 provides support for patients and their families</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This awareness week can also serve as a way for patients suffering from aplastic anemia & MDS to connect with others going through similar experiences. It can be a source of comfort and encouragement for individuals and their loved ones who may be feeling isolated in dealing with these conditions.</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 helps advocate for better treatment options</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With increased awareness comes increased advocacy for better treatment options for these diseases. By speaking out during this awareness week, patients, families, and healthcare professionals can push for improved research and care to ultimately help those affected by aplastic anemia & MDS lead healthier, longer 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'>MDS is Often Mistaken for Other Conditions at First</h3><p class='facts-content'>Due to its mild initial symptoms like general fatigue and weakness, MDS is often misdiagnosed as common anemia or age-related health decline, highlighting the need for better awareness and diagnosis.</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'>Aplastic Anemia is a Rare Disease Affecting 2 in Every Million People</h3><p class='facts-content'>This condition is quite rare but can impact individuals of all ages, reinforcing the need for research focused on this disease for better understanding and treatment plans.</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'>Advancements in Treatment for Aplastic Anemia and MDS Continue to Improve Survival Rates</h3><p class='facts-content'>Continued research in treatments like immunosuppressive therapy and bone marrow transplants have significantly improved survival rates for both conditions.</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'>Conditions Can Develop into More Serious Disorders</h3><p class='facts-content'>If not treated promptly, both Aplastic Anemia and MDS can progress into leukemia, a type of blood cancer, underscoring the need for early detection and treatment.</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'>Increased Risk in Certain Populations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Both Aplastic Anemia and MDS have been observed to disproportionately affect certain populations like older adults and individuals exposed to certain chemicals or radiation, highlighting the necessity of targeted awareness campaigns.</p></div></div>
National Aplastic Anemia & MDS Awareness Week is celebrated on March 1 every year. In 2024, it will occur on a Friday.
2023
Mar 1
Wednesday
2024
Mar 1
Friday
2025
Mar 1
Saturday
2026
Mar 1
Sunday
2027
Mar 1
Monday
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