Taking Part in Photo Challenge Is Fun Way to Mark Friedreich’s Ataxia Awareness Day

The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance is holding a fun and easy photo challenge to raise global awareness of the disease.

Photography buffs and amateurs can submit pictures of themselves with #CureFA signs to help the alliance mark Friedreich’s Ataxia Awareness Day on Saturday, May 20. You’ll need to submit the photos to the awareness day’s website by 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, May 19, to be considered for posting.

The photo challenge is one of a number of ways those who want to raise awareness can get involved.

Here’s how to take part in the photo challenge:

1. Find a setting that represents your geographical location, your work, your favorite hobby or the Friedreich’s ataxia community in your country. Get creative, but remember that your photo should say something about you.
2. Take a picture of yourself with a #CureFA sign. You can create a sign from a printout, or make one of your design.
3. Send your photo to Stephanie Magness of the #CureFA campaign by the May 19 deadline.
4. Once your photo hits the campaign page, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media. Encourage your friends to help you raise awareness of the cause.

The photo challenge welcomes pictures from patients and those who support the Friedreich’s ataxia community.

Another way you can help raise awareness is spreading the word about the alliance’s work to friends, both in person and through social networks. Telling others that the alliance is a charity you champion will not only raise awareness but also enlist new supporters in the cause.

The alliance is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube. Following its sites on those social media will ensure you’ll receive the latest Friedreich’s ataxia news and event information — nuggets that you can share right away.

One more you can become involved in the cause is to write a letter or start a letter writing group to let people know about the disease and how they can help. The most successful campaigns usually start with letters to family, friends, co-workers, business associates and customers.

If you want to help with the letter campaign, but don’t know how or are afraid to ask, check out some template letters and suggestions to get you started.

An additional way of raising awareness about Friedreich’s ataxia and the alliance’s work is speaking about it at school, work, a church, library or other community. This type of engagement also gives you an opportunity to increase the Friedreich’s ataxia support network. If you’d like to talk with someone at the alliance about how to prepare for a speaking event, contact its information office.

Another thought is to use newspapers, magazines, television and radio to reach a broad audience with your awareness message. If you have a personal or professional connection with a media outlet, consider using it to spread the word about the disease and the alliance’s work.