Ever heard that blood is thicker than water? Not only am I sure the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) has heard it—they’re essentially creating a movement around it.

And it’s pretty great.

To commemorate March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month—the first year it has this inclusive national designation!—the NHF is revolutionizing a new social media movement.

In the vein (sorry, pun) of 2014’s ALS Ice Bucket challenge, the Red Tie Challenge asks everyone to take a take a creative picture of themselves in a literal red tie, share it, and challenge someone else between now and April 17th.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0VdxY5X08%2520frameborder%3D0%2520allowfullscreen

It’s a fun challenge (I’m sorry, wearing ties anywhere but your neck will always be good), but more important than the fashion statement, it’s a profound figurative gesture that represents blood ties between bleeding disorders:

“[Red] conveys strength, leadership, courage, and love—emotions that define our community.”

So whether you have von Willebrand, hemophilia, or rare factor deficiencies (bleeding disorders which ex-nay normal clotting mechanisms and potentially cause serious injury) the Red Tie Challenge is for you.

Here’re 5 reasons why that’s pretty bloody exciting:

1. It commemorates the awesome fact that all bleeding disorders now have a national month
2. Money raised by you getting funky with ties help fund more bleeding disorder research
3. Actress, comedian, and all around cool girl Alex Borstein is in on it
4. It leads nicely into the World Federation of Hemophilia’s baller 2016 World Congress
5. Dude, it’s just flat out fun!

Red is a bold, strong color for a bold, thriving community—one that’s ready to stand out!

But are you ready to take the challenge?

Find out more about the whole-shebang here.

How are you wearing your red tie? What other plans do you have for Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month? Let’s discuss below!