Mobilizing against misrepresentation

The American Pain Foundation is spearheading a campaign to let ABC know that its representation of EDS on Medical Mysteries was irresponsible and injurious. APF has set up an action alert to send letters to ABC about their treatment of EDS as a freak show. It's easy and you will feel much better letting ABC know their treatment of disability issues leaves a lot to be desired.

While you're there, you might want to join APF. It's free! And they are an effective lobbying group. Free and effective! What could be better?

And, as someone else has suggested:

Remind everyone that this is a great opportunity for us to be contacting television, print, and radio media right now. Write those letters to the editors of your local paper! Let them know that the nature of the show is indicative of a desperate need for public education and awareness.

It is also the ideal time to be contacting your state and federal legislators (especially those on health and education committees) as they may have seen or heard about the segment. Let them know that this poor coverage is further evidence that additional research and education requirements are needed.

Research indicates that EDS affects one in 5,000 people. Current statistics indicate that there are just over 300,000,000 million people in the USA so, 60,000+ must have EDS. Assuming each of them has an average of 8 friends, family and caregivers, there are nearly 500,000 people who deal with EDS on a daily basis whether they realize it or not.

Keep in mind that we do have talking points that should be common in our correspondence. These talking points should be illustrated in our personal stories.

Tip #1: Keep the message simple, to the point and concise. It is a KISS=Keep It Simple & Short.

Tip#2: Know the talking points:

1. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause disfigurement, crippling disability and early death if not diagnosed early and its symptoms managed.

2. More research is needed to facilitate early diagnosis and to develop effective treatments that will prevent death, disability and disfigurement.

3. EDS research overlaps with other segments of the population; aging, arthritis, healing (diabetes), pain and cardiovascular health.

4. The diverse EDS community is full of compelling stories; athletes, dancers, musicians, children, doctors, nurses, singers, bankers, accountants, lawyers, parents, soldiers, pilots, grandparents, friends.....

5. Published research indicates that EDS affects one in 5,000 people. Current statistics indicate that there are just over 300,000,000 million people in the USA so, 60,000+ must have EDS.

6. It is estimated that only 10% of EDS affected individuals receive a diagnosis prior to an emergency situation that results in disfigurement, a crippling disability or premature death.

Spread the word. And write those letters! If you know of another disability that has been misrepresented in a particular episode of Medical Mysteries, why not mention that, too? Mobilize against the side show!