World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week 2023 was a great success this year, thanks to all our members, the public, the media, volunteers and nurses around the country who shared their stories of haemochromatosis, promoted the week on radio, print or social media or to everyone who set up an information stand in their workplace or shopping centre or hospital! Tomas O’Leary, rugby legend and former rugby international helped launch our awareness campaign, along with his aunt, uncle and family members, who have a family history of haemochromatosis. Sincere thanks to Jim Jackman and his wife Mary, Maire Jackman and her son Robert for fronting the campaign for us this year.
Our aim is as always, to ensure that as many people as possible know about haemochromatosis, the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment and how to get checked for haemochromatosis. As part of our global awareness campaign, thank you to all the county and city councils who lit up their civic buildings or momuments in red across Ireland during World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week this year. Over 200 iconic buildings across the world lit up red for awareness week this year! If you would like to suggest or nominate a public building near you to be lit up red for next year, do let us know and get in touch, [email protected]
Ann Teehan shared her story ‘The Celtic Gene’ of her haemochromatosis journey with readers of ‘Woman’s Way’ magazine last year. Ann and her family are passionate about raising awareness of haemochromatosis, Ireland’s most common genetic disorder. Thank you Ann for sharing your personal journey with us! Read on for link to pdf of full article
As we step into 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for your continued support and commitment to raising awareness about haemochromatosis. Together, we’ve made strides in educating and supporting those affected by iron overload, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead. May the new year bring all our haemochromatosis family health, happiness, and many moments of joy.
Your membership of the IHA makes us stronger and gives us a collective voice to advocate on behalf of our members, patients and their families. At this time of year, we encourage all our members to renew your annual membership and continue to be part of our 1,000 strong community!
