September 17, 2003 - (Lansdale, PA) The Foundation proudly announces National Ichthyosis Awareness Week from October 5 - 12. Awareness campaigns will be taking place throughout many communities across the country during this week to educate and promote an understanding of this rare set of genetic skin diseases.
Who: This national awareness campaign has been created for you, our members, and all those who are affected by ichthyosis. It is for all the beautiful children who journey through childhood with different-looking skin, adults who enjoy life despite the relentless hours of skin care, and the seniors who see hope through the eyes of their family.
What: One week out of the year where our members host awareness campaigns and fund raising events to raise money and educate the public about ichthyosis.
When: Ichthyosis Awareness Week will be officially celebrated during October 5 - 12, 2003. In actuality, Ichthyosis Awareness Week can occur anytime during the year - when you can devote your energy to raising awareness or funds for the Foundation.
Where: The possibilities are limitless! Awareness and fund raising can take place anywhere in your local community, such as your yard, a local park, a supermarket parking lot, your child’s school, the YMCA, your church, your doctor's office, etc.
Why: Educating your local community can make life a little easier for those who are affected. The simple knowledge that ichthyosis is a genetic skin disease which is not contagious, a bad sunburn, or the result of poor bathing habits can help the public better understand the disease and its symptoms.
How: For those of you who have experience putting together fundraisers or creating publicity for an event, we encourage you to use your skills. Be creative and do something that interests you and your family, or is popular within your community. As always, the Foundation staff is available to help you in any way or provide literature for distribution to your audience.
For those of you who have always wanted to do something to help raise awareness and money for the Foundation, but have little experience…we have the answer!! The Foundation staff created an easy-to-follow manual of how to organize a grassroots fundraiser and/or create publicity for ichthyosis. It contains great information about how to contact your local media and the essential steps to create a successful event, plus much more. Click here to request a copy of this booklet or email us with any questions or ideas about how you can help with Ichthyosis Awareness Week.
Here are some ideas to help get your creative juices flowing:
- Candy Sale
- Car Wash
- Collection Cans
- Distribute brochures to your community
- Donations in lieu of birthday gifts
- Dress Down Day at Work or School
- Garage Sale
- Halloween Costume Contest
- Submit a personal story to local newspaper, radio or TV stations
- Submit a personal story to your company’s newsletter
- Release the Butterfly Fundraiser - This fundraiser is easy to do and has been very successful in previous years. Order a batch of colorful butterfly shapes and place them in your local community businesses for sale at $1.00 each. Community members can have their name written on the butterfly and posted in the store. Call the office or click here to order your supply of butterflies.
