Creating awareness results in contacts from families of newly diagnosed patients. Just think back to when you first heard the word histiocytosis. How alone you felt, and then how relieved when you found the Association. Your help can make this happen for someone else who feels alone and without hope. Your involvement can be as simple as educating a friend about histiocytosis. Be sure to tell them all about our research and how our families and friends have made this possible. You can help by sending in a Press Release to your local newspaper and a Public Service Announcement to radio stations. Call us and ask for one of our educational videos. They are great to show to public service organizations such as the Lion's Club or the Rotary. Look around the internet and write in to the Talk Show home pages that you find. Some members have found that holding some type of special event helps to educate the public. Events can range from handing out our brochures at a local fair to a large fund raising event. Sponsoring special events in the name of histiocytosis also raises awareness. Car washes, bazaars, yard sales, carnivals, parties, and bake sales are all ways to draw attention to histiocytosis and the need for research. Posters are another easy way to spread the word. Put them up in local stores, church and school bulletin boards, in the hospital and other high-visibility. Posters are a great way to get the word out about histiocytosis. They are simple to look at, simply stated and easily understood. Hang them in grocery stores, local storefront windows, gas stations, hospitals, libraries and any place you think they will get exposure. At one time the telephone was the most efficient means of communication. Today it can still help spread the word about histiocytosis. Call local organizations and ask if you can send them a brochure or come speak to the group. Call your local assembly or congressional representative to find out if they know about the disease. Your personal story will help others to make an important connection. Call local hospitals and medical facilities and make sure they have information on histiocytosis. |