Living with a serious illness affects more than one’s physical health; mental health often suffers, too.
Which is one reason Anna Barlow took note when she met Anna Sirieix. The latter Anna, who was living with tyrosinemia and was only 10 years old at the time, is described as having “an awesome attitude and a great outlook on life.”
Inspired by the young girl’s positivity, Barlow decided to help raise awareness for her namesake’s condition. She ran in the New York City marathon and helped raise more than $9,500 for the American Liver Foundation’s “Liver Life Challenge.”
Certainly there are other avenues to help raise awareness (and funds) for various illnesses. A quick Google search revealed a tyrosinemia awareness Facebook page and a couple who put donation cans outside of gas stations before eventually starting a website and attracting donors to golf tournaments, bowling tournaments, ’50s dances, a Super Bowl party, and even the building of a home–all to raise money and awareness for tyrosinemia.
But whether it’s tyrosinemia or some other rare disease, we want to know how YOU raise awareness. The Rare Disease Day website offers their list of suggestions…what are yours?
Tell us how how you help spread awareness in the comments section below. Maybe your positive attitude will help motivate others, just like Anna and Anna.
