International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month
Join us for our second ever International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month!
Throughout this dedicated month, we're shining a spotlight on mast cell diseases, fostering understanding, and igniting conversations worldwide.
From rare conditions like mastocytosis to the increasingly more common Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, these diseases affect many people globally.
Through education, advocacy, and support, together, we can make a difference. Let's raise awareness, inspire hope, and empower those impacted by mast cell diseases.
Why International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month Matters
Joy Mason is first and foremost a parent of 2 children who have MCAS, she also has MCAS and has spent the past decade working to help others in similar situations and to try to make life better for people like her and her children.
"As a parent, it is particularly heart-wrenching to watch my children navigate a world that isn’t always accommodating or understanding of their needs."
You can read Joy's blog here.
Click here to read more about why dedicating an entire month to creating awareness about this disease is so important.
How to get involved
International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month is our opportunity to raise awareness, coming together as a community to shout about MCAS.
For this event to be a success, we need you to get involved!
Play Awareness Month bingo to see how many activities you can participate in from our special events calendar.
Tag us on social media @mastcellaction to let us know how you're celebrating International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month.
We can't wait to hear all about how you are joining us in raising awareness. Together we can make a difference and shine a light on MCAS.
Awareness Month T-shirts
Order your International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month t-shirt today so it arrives in time to raise awareness throughout the month of June!
25% of profits will be donated to Mast Cell Action - to directly help the MCAS community.
Social media overlays
We need you to spread the word and tell your friends and family that you are supporting International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month.
Help us to raise awareness and tell the world all about mast cell diseases. You can download our social media overlays to add to your profile pictures below.
Facebook profile picture overlay
If you would like us to create your photo overlay for you, please get in touch.
Awareness month activities
We are excited to present a month-long calendar of activities designed to raise awareness, educate and support those affected by mast cell diseases. Mast cell diseases, including mastocytosis and MCAS, can be challenging to diagnose and manage.
We hope you will join in with the full activity calendar and help us to make some noise about MCAS this International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month.
Through our events, we aim to shed light on these conditions and bring together our supportive community.
Download your calendar here.
Facts about MCAS
As part of our awareness-raising activities, we are asking people to share facts about mast cell disease - helping us to break down barriers and educate the wider public about mast cell disease.
You can download our 'fact-graphics' here.
Community Stories - Jemma Heighway
Jemma Heighway has kindly shared her story with us, for International Mast Cell Disease Awareness Month.
"Living with MCAS has presented me with numerous challenges. However, I had many things that I wanted to achieve so took a proactive approach to managing this condition. It’s involved meticulous planning & making lifestyle adjustments: eating a low-histamine diet, avoiding triggers, staying organised with medications, practicing stress-management techniques, prioritising self-care, and surrounding myself with supportive individuals."
You can read more of Jemma's story here.
Awareness month activities
With so much noise to make about MCAS, June is jam-packed with virtual sessions for information, support and even some social meet-ups.
In addition to our usual Seated Pilates sessions, we will also be running Bed Pilates, for those that have lower energy levels.
On 18th June, the wonderful Deborah Bircham will be hosting a session on 'Gratitude' and on 25th June, there will be a webinar on 'Understanding Mast Cells, Autoimmune Disorders & Comorbidities'. On 17th June we will be hosting a session specifically for Healthcare Professionals around 'Special considerations for Anaesthesia/Surgery with Dr. Anton Krige' - please do share this with your healthcare provider and encourage them to join if appropriate.
We will of course be continuing our usual events offering, including Virtual Self Massage, Qigong and Mindfulness.
Find a full list of virtual events here and don't forget to download our activity calendar here!
Watch this space for further updates coming soon!
Become a friend
Sign up to become a Friend of Mast Cell Action so we can keep you up to date on our progress and on how to get involved in our latest campaigns and initiatives.
Donate
Mast Cell Action relies entirely on the generosity of people like you. Please make a donation now and together we can make a difference to those affected by MCAS.
