Let’s bring awareness to Scleroderma
Between 21 and 30 June 2021, more than 40 iconic Australian buildings will shine bright like a sunflower to boost awareness, engage community support, and raise vital research funds to support the nearly 6,000 Australians living with Scleroderma.
The Shine Like a Sunflower campaign is part of a month-long series of events hosted by Scleroderma Australia to raise awareness and research funds for this little-known chronic and often a life-threatening condition that causes thickening and hardening of the body’s connective tissue.
Golden lights symbolising Scleroderma Australia’s sunflower logo will illuminate iconic buildings across Australia over several days, and in celebration of World Scleroderma Day on 29 June 2021.
This important day marks the 81st anniversary of renowned Swiss painter Paul Klee’s death. He had Scleroderma, and his artwork was substantially influenced by his experience with the condition.
Businesses shine bright for Scleroderma
“Australian businesses have really answered our call to raise awareness of Scleroderma by turning their buildings yellow this June,” said Scleroderma Australia President Amanda Lawrie-Jones. “In these uncertain times of COVID-19, it’s such a simple, safe and cost-effective act, yet so powerful for fellow Australians to show their solidarity with those who are living with this little-known condition.”
The campaign has already inspired well-known buildings such as Federation Square, the Crown Melbourne and Melbourne’s Gateway Bridges, Old Parliament House fountain, Townsville’s Victoria Bridge, the South Australia Power Networks and Adelaide Oval, the Launceston Town Hall and the Palmerston Water Tower in the Northern Territory to go golden next month.
Other events taking place across Australia throughout World Scleroderma Month include Snuggle Up for Scleroderma and state-based support group sessions.
What can you do?
It’s easy to get involved in the Shine Like A Sunflower campaign. You can:
- Use a Shine Like A Sunflower frame on Facebook
- Use a Shine Like A Sunflower filter on Instagram
- Visit one of the icons at more than 50 locations
- Take a selfie and post it to your favourite social media
- Remember to use hashtags #WSD2021 #SclerodermaAwareness #ShineLikeASunflower
To find out more, visit Scleroderma Australia’s Shine Like A Sunflower page that lets you know what you can do to Light Up Australia!
TCC International is proud to support Scleroderma Australia.
It’s equally important to share your vision of Australia shining bright like a sunflower this June, so make sure to install the Shine Like a Sunflower Facebook frame and Instagram filter, and share your support with the hashtags #WSD2021, #SclerodermaAwareness, and #ShineLikeASunflower.
About Scleroderma
Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic condition of the body’s connective tissue experienced by approximately 6,000 Australians. Generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic conditions, it can cause thickening and hardening of bodily tissues and often causes serious, life-threatening damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys, oesophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. Women are three to four times more likely to develop the condition than men. And although the condition can present at any age, the onset is more common between 25 and 55 years.
About Scleroderma Australia
Incorporated in 2005, Scleroderma Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates a national representative voice to support the scleroderma community. This is achieved by raising awareness of Scleroderma, expanding community engagement and support for people living with Scleroderma, advocating on behalf of scleroderma patients, and raising vital funds to continue ground-breaking research into the condition.