Every year on May 26, communities around the globe mark CLA Awareness Day, dedicating time to shine a light on Complex Lymphatic Anomalies (CLAs)—a group of rare diseases that can have profound impacts on those affected and their families. But why dedicate a day specifically to raising awareness about CLAs? The answer lies in the stories of strength, the challenges faced by patients, and the ongoing need for research and better treatments.
The Importance of CLA Awareness Day
Complex Lymphatic Anomalies are not just rare; they are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Awareness is the first step toward change. By informing more people about CLAs, we can increase support for research, improve diagnosis times, and generate a community that is more empathetic and knowledgeable. Awareness also empowers community's patients and families, providing them with a platform to share their experiences and advocate for their needs.
How You Can Participate Through Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool that can amplify our message and reach people worldwide. Here are some impactful ways you can get involved this CLA Awareness Day:
Share Your Story
If you or someone you know is affected by CLAs, share your story. Post about your journey, the challenges you’ve faced, and the victories, no matter how small. Use hashtags like #CLAAwarenessDay and #ComplexLymphaticAnomalies to join the global conversation.
Post Educational Content
Share facts and information about CLAs. You could post an infographic detailing what CLAs are, the signs and symptoms, and why research is crucial. Educating the public helps demystify the disease and underscores the importance of specialized care and support.
Spread the Word with Just a Click
To make it even easier for you to join in raising awareness, we've created a series of eye-catching social media images that you can download and share. Whether you’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn, these images are designed to grab attention and convey important messages about CLAs quickly and effectively.
Our images are at the bottom of this blog post
Simply choose your favorite image and share it on your profile with a personal message or with the information provided. Don't forget to use the hashtags #CLAAwarenessDay and #ComplexLymphaticAnomalies to ensure your posts are part of the wider conversation.
Engage with Questions
Share a fact about CLAs to your followers. For example: "Did you know that CLA can affect anyone, at any age?" See our Frequently Asked Questions for ideas or use one of the below items.
Did you know that:
- Almost all CLAs are caused by changes in genes occurring in cells in specific locations in the body. These are called somatic gene mutations. Only occasionally are CLAs caused by inherited gene mutations.
- Disease “flare” is a term used to describe an increase in disease activity or symptoms related to CLAs (like pain).
- Most patients with CLAs have extensive disease involving multiple tissues that cannot be totally removed by surgery.
- This not only informs but also encourages interaction and personal investment.
Messages of Support
Share messages with the CLA Community. It can be from doctors, researchers, or community leaders involved in CLA research or care. Highlighting voices and expertise can lend credibility and urgency to the cause.
Why Your Voice Matters
Each post, share, and like helps build a larger, stronger community dedicated to the cause of CLAs. By participating in CLA Awareness Day through social media, you help ensure that the conversation about complex lymphatic anomalies grows louder and reaches further than ever before. It's about creating a wave of support that can lead to real changes in funding, research, and public perception.
CLA Awareness Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a day to connect, educate, and inspire action for a cause that affects many yet remains in the shadows of more well-known diseases. Let’s use our voices to shed light on CLAs and support those who face these challenges every day.
Join us this May 26 to help change lives and spread hope. Your involvement could be the very thing that makes all the difference for someone struggling with CLAs.
Social Media Images
General:
- CLA Awareness Day
- Generalized Lymphatic Anomaly
- Gorham Stout Disease
- Central Conducting Lymphatic Anomaly
- Kaposiform Lymphangiomatosis Anomaly
- Someone I love
What is/are:
