VAM 2023 Calendar Day-by-Day Activities

This Vasculitis Awareness Month (VAM), we’ve made it easy for you to get involved, make a difference, learn, and feel empowered! This interactive, day-by-day activities calendar offers simple yet meaningful ways to stay involved throughout May.  Together, we can raise awareness of vasculitis and help pave a path toward a better life, better treatments, and a cure.

MONDAY | MAY 01

Welcome to VAM!

Welcome to Vasculitis Awareness Month (VAM)! For the next 31 days, we’re honoring our amazing patients, dedicated healthcare professionals, and brilliant scientists. And we’re equipping you with the tools to spread awareness and get involved! Celebrate #VAM2023 with us all month long. And join us in sending a special shoutout to our partners, Amgen and GSK, who made this possible. LEARN MORE.

TUESDAY | MAY 02

Patient Heroes & Heroes to Patients

After a vasculitis diagnosis, it often feels like you are navigating the unknown. But that’s when people living with vasculitis tap into their superpowers of strength, hope, and resilience – and they get connected to the vasculitis community. Their stories inspire hope and help others feel less alone. WATCH THEIR VIDEOS.

WEDNESDAY | MAY 03

Swap Your Profile Photo

Show your solidarity! Let others know they’re not alone this Vasculitis Awareness Month (VAM) by swapping out your current social media profile picture with our new VAM graphics, created especially for the vasculitis community. GET THE GRAPHICS.

THURSDAY | MAY 04

What’s Your Victory Over Vasculitis?

By sharing our stories, we create a better way of life together. Today, share your victory over vasculitis. This is a personal goal or achievement you define for yourself that takes into account where you are in your vasculitis journey. Examples include, “My victory over vasculitis is having energy to spend time with my grandkids.” Or “My victory over vasculitis is daily gratitude for the little things that can easily be taken for granted.” When you submit your Victory Over Vasculitis, we might feature it on social media! SHARE NOW.

FRIDAY | MAY 05

“One thing I wish you knew about vasculitis…”

Raise awareness with your friends on social media. Even the friends and family closest to you may not know what it’s like to live or love someone with vasculitis. Post this graphic to your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or other social media page. In your accompanying post text, finish the sentence, “One thing I wish you knew about vasculitis…” Tag the VF and use the hashtag #VAM2023 for a chance for your post to be featured! DOWNLOAD THE GRAPHIC.

Tag the VF:

Facebook: @VasculitisFoundation
Instagram: @vasculitisfoundation
Twitter: @VasculitisFound
LinkedIn: Vasculitis Foundation

SATURDAY | MAY 06

Your Support Changed Jess’s Life

Jess Kanciruk received the life changing diagnosis of GPA in the summer of 2021. Because of donors like you, she was able to turn to the VF for support on her vasculitis journey. Thank you for standing with people living with vasculitis. Please consider investing in the VF’s mission today! WATCH JESS’S STORY and DONATE TODAY!

SUNDAY | MAY 7

LIVE Event: Hear Real Patient Stories

When you’re diagnosed with a chronic disease, your sense of self can shift as the disease impacts your work, relationships, hobbies, and more. In this LIVE Victory Over Vasculitis webinar, a panel of people living with vasculitis will share their journeys with work and identity and will offer their tips for finding a renewed sense of meaning. SIGN UP NOW

MONDAY | MAY 08

Together Again!

Our International Vasculitis Symposium is back! After three years apart, let’s gather to learn, get expert advice, and connect with others who are living or loving someone with vasculitis. Over three days, this powerful event will bring together the vasculitis community from across the globe. Attend with us in Chicago, IL, or via Zoom, July 14-16. REGISTER NOW.

 Here is link to the symposium page: https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/2023-vasculitis-symposium/

TUESDAY | MAY 09

Sign Up: Vasculitis Voices & News

Stay in the loop–or invite family and friends to learn about vasculitis–by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter. The e-newsletter is packed with information you need to know about vasculitis, including community stories, upcoming events, resources, and more. SUBSCRIBE OR INVITE A FRIEND TO SUBSCRIBE.

WEDNESDAY | MAY 10

Happy National Nurses Month!

No matter the day or circumstance, nurses make a difference in our lives. They care, they listen, they educate. Today, share your appreciation and thank a nurse in your life! Send a nurse a FREE e-card today.

THURSDAY | MAY 11

Virtual Vasculitis Support Group Meetings

You do not have to navigate your vasculitis journey alone. Connect with other people living with the disease and other care partners. Find strength in talking with other people who “get it.” VIEW CALENDAR.

FRIDAY | MAY 12

One Code Could Make a Big Difference

Remember what it was like to be newly diagnosed, swirling in a haze of new information? Today, you can help others in your shoes navigate this new journey. When you print this flyer (with a QR code that brings people to the wide world of VF resources simply by hovering their phones over it) and bring it to your doctor’s office to be displayed, you can help people when they need it most. DOWNLOAD FLYER.

SATURDAY | MAY 13

Double Your Impact

Thanks to two generous donors, we have a $6,500 match! This means your $25 donation becomes $50, your $50 donation becomes $100 and so on until we reach $6,500! Please consider investing in the VF’s mission and watch your impact grow. DONATE TODAY!

SUNDAY | MAY 14

Happy Mother’s Day!

When Annaruth Diller, a mom of three, was diagnosed with vasculitis in her early thirties, it forced her to reimagine what motherhood could look like for her. In this story in honor of Mother’s Day, Annaruth shares the loss, anger, and even the blessings she and her children have faced on their shared vasculitis journey. In spite of it all, they are finding ways to bloom together. READ & SHARE ANNARUTH’S STORY.

MONDAY | MAY 15

International Vasculitis Awareness Day

Happy International Vasculitis Awareness Day! Today, join us in making vasculitis visible all around the globe by answering this one QUICK question: What country do you live in? ANSWER THE QUESTION.

TUESDAY | MAY 16

Aprendiendo de Vasculitis

La Fundación de Vasculitis (Vasculitis Foundation) se complace en presentar esta nueva serie de videos educativos para ampliar su conocimiento sobre vasculitis. Expertos médicos en vasculitis de distintos países conversaran sobre diferentes temas incluyendo el diagnóstico, medicamentos y tratamiento para de las vasculitis. Estos videos están dirigidos para pacientes y familiares, con la intención de informar e incrementar el conocimiento y conciencia de estas enfermedades. MIRA ESTOS VIDEOS.

WEDNESDAY | MAY 17

Share Our VAM Awareness Video!

Our 2023 VAM Awareness video is here! Watch and share as people living with the disease share what they wish others knew about vasculitis. By spreading the word, you’re helping all of us navigate the unknown — together. WATCH & SHARE.

THURSDAY | MAY 18

Celebrate World Eosinophilic Diseases Day

Please join us as we celebrate World Eosinophilic Diseases Week (May 14-20, 2023) and raise awareness of these conditions around the globe. LEARN MORE

FRIDAY | MAY 19

Give the Gift of a Better Life

The VF is committed to early diagnosis, better treatments, and awareness. Your donation to the VF reinforces that commitment. With your help, the VF will fund $150,000 in new research this year alone! Donate today, knowing that every dollar improves the lives of people living with vasculitis. DONATE TODAY!

SATURDAY | MAY 20

Behçet’s Awareness Day & World Autoimmune Arthritis Day!

Learn about Behçet’s and help raise awareness of this form of vasculitis today. WATCH & LEARN.

SUNDAY | MAY 21

Let’s Get Moving Together!

Today, you can gain strength in just 15 minutes. Join Brandon Hudgins and Art Diaz for a quick strength-building class while seated on your couch, at the kitchen table, or on a park bench. WATCH VIDEO.

MONDAY | MAY 22

VF Supports Young Investigators in 2023

When we fund innovative research, we open new possibilities for better treatments and a better tomorrow. The VF is honored to announce the three new winners of our Young Investigator Research Program: Alvise Berti, MD, from the University of Trento in Trentino, Italy; Pei-Yu Chen, BS, MS, PhD, from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT; and David Massicotte-Azarniouch, MD, MSc, FRCPC, DRCPSC, from the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada. LEARN ABOUT DR. MASSICOTTE-AZARNIOUCH’S STUDY.

TUESDAY | MAY 23

Join this Research Study

You can make a difference in just 15 minutes. Alongside the VPPRN, we’re announcing the launch of a new research study, Delphi. There are currently no standardized ways to define whether large-vessel vasculitis is active or in remission. This study, open to patients over 18 with giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis) or Takayasu’s arteritis, will establish consistent definitions so doctors and people living with the disease can make the best decisions about patient care. There will be 3-4 total rounds of this study (each in the form of a 15-minute survey). Your contribution is invaluable. Register now.

WEDNESDAY | MAY 24

Did you know…?

Vasculitis is a rare autoimmune disease, but experts suggest autoimmune diseases will be on the rise in the next decade. Download these “Did you know…” graphics and post them on your social media pages to separate fact from fiction and spread the word about what vasculitis is. DOWNLOAD NOW.

THURSDAY | MAY 25

Make a Difference Every Day

Did you know…making a monthly donation is simple for you and effective for VF? $10 a month (which is less than a streaming service) makes a real impact and creates a sustainable base of support that the VF can count on. Set up your monthly donation today! DONATE TODAY!

FRIDAY | MAY 26

10 Things to Know Before Starting A New Medication

Navigating new medications can be an overwhelming task for every person with vasculitis. The VF is here to help: check out these medication tips and questions to ask your doctor and pharmacist about new medications. CHECK IT OUT.

SATURDAY | MAY 27

Daily Inspiration

Navigating a vasculitis journey requires strength, love, resilience, patience – and words of inspiration! What quotes, mantras, or empowering words get you through your hardest days? Share your favorite inspiring quote with us. We’ll share our favorites with our community so everyone can benefit from your uplifting words. SHARE YOUR QUOTE.

SUNDAY | MAY 28

Thanks for Making VAM Possible

The VF wants to take a moment to announce the sponsors of Vasculitis Awareness Month. Thank you to Amgen and GSK for making VAM possible — and helping all of us raise awareness!

MONDAY | MAY 29

Veterans with Vasculitis

In honor of Memorial Day, Dan Bleicher, a veteran who’s living with vasculitis, shares his Memorial Day message. WATCH NOW.

TUESDAY | MAY 30

Tune In: Vasculitis Voices

Vasculitis Voices, our new VF podcast, illuminates the personal journeys of people facing the ups and downs of living with vasculitis. It also offers expert insights on managing the disease, navigating the healthcare system, and finding support. LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE, SHARE.

WEDNESDAY | MAY 31

Last Call: Give a Gift That Will Change Lives!

There is still time to support the incredible work of the VF by making a donation today. When you give, you empower patients with resources, knowledge, and connection. And you support the vital research of investigators seeking better treatments and a cure. DONATE NOW.

Thank You to the Following VAM 2023 Sponsors!

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