Fostering community support through a World Hypopara Awareness Day walk
Let's encourage each other to live our best hypopara lives
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“Don’t let your circumstances define your future.” — Popular saying
If I had one wish, it would be a world without hypoparathyroidism. Realistically, that is as unlikely as winning the lottery, but as the Grateful Dead said, “Without love in the dream, it will never come true.”
On June 1, people around the world who are living with hypoparathyroidism come together, united as a community to share our triumphs and tragedies. World Hypopara Awareness Day reminds us that we are not alone, and spreading awareness and advocacy helps others better understand our condition. It isn’t about celebrating our diagnosis; it’s about recognizing how far we’ve come and supporting one another.
I often wonder how I can use my decades of experience living with hypopara to better support our community. I don’t want anyone else to feel the loneliness and hopelessness I once felt.
That’s how the World Hypopara Awareness Day walk was born.
Inaugural Hypopara Day walk
I warmly invite you to participate in the first-ever World Hypopara Awareness Day walk. This free event is sponsored by Hypopara Life, a service I created to help people with the condition live their best lives. Thanks to a generous donation from RaceJoy, walkers can now share photos and receive encouraging messages from supporters via the mobile app. This is the inaugural walk, and I plan to make it an annual event.
You can join from anywhere, whether you’re walking around your house, on a treadmill, or in your neighborhood, and you’re welcome to walk on your own or with friends or family. You can also share your walk with our community through the free RaceJoy app after registering for the event. Just go for a walk on June 1 and use the app to share your photos, stories, or supportive messages. Every step counts, and everyone is welcome, regardless of ability or location.
By sharing our stories with our community, we can foster a sense of belonging and support. We are never alone, and supporting one another through every step and challenge makes our community special. I am proud to be part of our small yet strong global family!
Living our best hypopara life
When I think about the future of hypoparathyroidism, I focus on hope and growth. I believe positive thinking leads to better outcomes. Having faith helps us see what is possible, not what stands in our way.
We cannot change our disease, go back in time, or choose a different path. Our diagnosis won’t change, but accepting it is the first and hardest step.
Reflecting on my own diagnosis, I feel hopeful and confident. With various investigational therapies in the research pipeline and one — Yorvipath (palopegteriparatide) — already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, I see progress continuing, which, to me, inspires optimism for the future.
Changing our narrative about hypoparathyroidism can change how we feel. Instead of saying “I can’t walk,” grab your support person and take a few steps. Living our best hypopara life starts today!
This brave butterfly believes the future looks bright. Remember, whether you’re walking to the mailbox or around the block, each step is a step forward. Even if we cannot walk far, walking together makes this day special and meaningful.
How do you plan to mark World Hypopara Awareness Day? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is a strictly news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hypoparathyroidism News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hypoparathyroidism.
Laurie Head
I will be walking the Walk on June 1! Thank you for all you do, Bari, and your inspirational posts.