Two Cities, One State Light Up for World Hemochromatosis Week on June 1
**MEDIA ALERT ** MEDIA ALERT ** MEDIA ALERT **
Two Cities, One State Light Up for World Hemochromatosis Week on June 1
WHO: In the first week of June, both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh will light up red to help raise awareness for World Hemochromatosis Week, June 1- 7. Hemochromatosis or “iron overload” is one of the most common genetic conditions in the United States. It affects one in 300 people but often goes undiagnosed partially due to its nonspecific symptoms. Hereditary Hemochromatosis is most common in persons of Northern European descent and is often found in families. It disrupts the body’s regulation of iron and can cause damage to the heart, liver, and pancreas. It can only be detected by a blood test, preventive screening, or liver imaging.
***Media are encouraged to attend***
WHAT: Boathouse Row and the PECO Crown Lights will light up red along with the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh during the first week of June. Using all forms of media, displays, and other activities, this week is an opportunity to focus attention on hemochromatosis and the risk of inherited iron overload. On Friday, June 3, a celebration will take place at Fairmount Waterworks Gazebo at dusk, or 7:54 pm to show the City of Brotherly Love’s support in fighting this disease.
“Having two cities light up red in Pennsylvania is just the start of igniting all 50 states to play a part in bringing this condition to the forefront of health in the United States. My father’s hemochromatosis went undiagnosed for over a decade, and he died prematurely as a result. I was a part of his healthcare team, and I want to do everything I can as a healthcare professional and advocate to spare another family from experiencing this preventable tragedy. The reality is that too much, or too little, iron can kill, and we need to recognize iron overload as a contributor to chronic disease and premature deaths. Hemochromatosis International will leave no stone unturned to raise awareness of the condition around the world, said Christine O’Leary, U.S. Board Trustee.
WHEN: Friday, June 3 at 7:54 p.m. at dusk will be a short gathering as the lights turn red along Boathouse Row. Brief comments will be made by O’Leary, followed by Kathleen Fennelly who has hemochromatosis and can speak about the disease.
WHERE: Fairmount Water Works Gazebo located at 640 Waterworks Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
About Hemochromatosis (source: Cleveland Clinic)
Hemochromatosis, or iron overload, is a condition in which your body stores too much iron. It’s often genetic. It can cause serious damage to your body, including to your heart, liver, and pancreas. Early, accurate diagnosis and treatment can avoid, slow, or reverse organ damage. The classic form of hemochromatosis is most common in Caucasians of Northern European descent.
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