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Throw your support behind a great cause on World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day this coming May 4! This global health event dates back to 2012 when it was first initiated by patient organizations from around the world, with a prime aim of amplifying awareness and promoting early diagnosis of this not-so-widely-known but profoundly impacting disease. Even though it's a day focused on a serious topic, it's a day filled with life, resilience, and unity. Join us in the journey because together, we can turn this crippling disease into a condition that's understood, recognized, and effectively managed. Let our voices resonate!
<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 World AS Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>World Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Day was initially celebrated by global patient organizations to boost awareness and promote early diagnosis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Campaigns Launched</div><div class='timeline-text'>Global campaigns were launched amplifying the impact of the disease on people's lives and promoting the need for better health services.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Research Funding Increases</div><div class='timeline-text'>World AS Day initiated increased funding for research into the disease, accelerating the progress towards more effective treatments.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Widespread Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The significance of World AS Day was acknowledged more widely by renowned health organizations and institutions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Screenings</div><div class='timeline-text'>Since 2018, many countries have begun conducting public screenings during World AS Day to promote early detection and diagnosis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Events Amidst Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, supporters connected through virtual events to share stories, hope, and raise awareness.</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'>Host an awareness seminar</h3><p class='facts-text'>Organize a community seminar or webinar to educate about Ankylosing Spondylitis. Invite local doctors, patients, and everyone interested to learn more about this condition. The aim is to understand the disease better and spread knowledge among people.</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'>Arrange a fundraising walk or run</h3><p class='facts-text'>Incorporate fitness with awareness. Hold a "Steps for AS" walking or running event, encouraging participants to solicit pledges for each step they take. The money collected could be donated to an organization supporting Ankylosing Spondylitis research.</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'>Conduct a social media campaign</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take the conversation online. Create informative posts related to Ankylosing Spondylitis and share them on your social media accounts using popular hashtags like #WorldASDay. Encourage your friends and followers to do the same. This way, a global conversation about the disease can be sparked.</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'>Distribute informational pamphlets</h3><p class='facts-text'>Design educational brochures or flyers about Ankylosing Spondylitis. Distribute them in public spaces and local establishments. This will raise the awareness of people who might not have access to the Internet.</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'>Organize a charity auction</h3><p class='facts-text'>Gather donated items from local businesses and host a charity auction. The funds raised can be directed towards research initiatives or organizations dedicated to providing support for those suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis.</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'>Raises Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day shines a light on a condition that needs more public recognition. The day encourages education and conversation about this crippling disease, allowing people who may not know about it to understand its implications and the importance of its 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'>Promotes Unity and Support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day brings us together in standing up against Ankylosing Spondylitis. By engaging in activities like fundraising walks, awareness seminars, and social media campaigns, we are uniting as a community to provide support for those battling with the disease and for the people working tirelessly to find effective treatments and possibly a cure.</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'>Contributes to Research and Medical Advances</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day helps generate funds for scientific research. Through initiatives like charity auctions or pledge-based fitness events, money raised can be donated to research institutions working on better treatment options. These contributions are key in making progress towards the management and eventual eradication of the disease.</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'>Ankylosing Spondylitis is a Form of Arthritis</h3><p class='facts-content'>Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) falls under the umbrella of arthritis as it is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness.</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'>AS Develops During Early Adulthood</h3><p class='facts-content'>Most patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis begin to experience symptoms between the ages of 17 and 45. It's not typical for individuals to get diagnosed in later stages of life.</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'>Carrying the HLA-B27 Gene Makes AS More Likely</h3><p class='facts-content'>Around 90% of individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis carry the HLA-B27 gene. Although not everyone with the gene will develop AS, it significantly increases the likelihood.</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'>AS can Lead to Spine Fusion</h3><p class='facts-content'>In severe cases, the inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause new bone growth, leading to parts of the spine fusing together. This can result in a loss of mobility and severe chronic pain.</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'>AS can Affect Other Parts of the Body</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although primarily a disease of the spine, Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause inflammation in other parts of the body such as eyes (uveitis), heart, lungs, and in rare instances the kidneys.</p></div></div>
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