Migraine and Headache Awareness Month 2021
Migraine and Headache Awareness Month 2021 has begun! Otherwise known as MHAM2021. The 2021 theme is A New Era of Care. I gave my subscribers a little sneak peek of the month and now I’ll give some more details on ways to advocate, raise money and decrease stigma. By doing any of these actions, migraine disease is being “seen” and “heard” virtually. So, participate how you can, and help support MHAM 2021!
MHAM2021
ALL MONTH LONG…Miles for Migraine Cleveland walk/run/relax 2021 event
I’m fundraising to raise money for the Cleveland Clinic, where the proceeds for this event go to. It supports a fellowship program that encourages doctors to go into the migraine and headache disorder field. There are far too few qualified and knowledgeable doctors surrounding migraine and Miles for Migraine aims to close the gap in MANY ways. I have seen firsthand where some of this money is going and I am so proud to be yet again, participating and fundraising for this incredible organization! After a year of virtual events, Cleveland will have a hybrid event where participants can walk locally or virtually by walking, running, or doing self-care.
Donate or Join the Cleveland Team NOW!
June 1: Headache at Work
Let’s start Migraine and Headache Awareness Month 2021 at work. Wear purple to work in June to show support for people living with migraine or raise awareness of the disease. Whether you’re working from home or at an office, you can start a conversation about migraine. I have had a variety of experiences when it comes to migraine at work. I have had some support me, some shame and stigmatize me, and others who never knew. It’s a range of emotions and needs when it comes to working with migraine and most places of employment could use some knowledge on accommodations and support.
Migraine at Work: 13 Ways to Survive
Migraine and Working at a Restaurant
Giveaway on IG: Migraine Shields
I love giving back to the migraine community! With this, I love giving products away that I love to someone else to enjoy. So, June 1-5 I’m doing a giveaway with Migraine Shields on Instagram so head over and enter now!
June 2-10: Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy annual Headache on the Hill event.
As you may recall, I was a part of Headache on the Hill this year and it was a very powerful experience. AHDA advocates for more equitable federal policies toward Americans with disabling headache disorders. Register and during the week of the event, participants are encouraged to post pictures on social media of themselves walking, running, or doing the activity of their choice. #HOHVirtualWalkRunRelax.
June 6: Veterans with Headache Diseases
Something that I learned in my AHDA training is that “New data show that 350,000 Global War on Terror (GWOT) veterans sustained TBIs. Nearly half of GWOT veterans with deployment-related TBI, reported headaches 15 or more days per month and 89% met the criteria for migraine.” AHDA and The Headache and Migraine Policy Forum work hard to make changes.
June 7: Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day honors Melissa Dwyer, who died by suicide at age 22 on this day in 2013, as well as others whose headache, migraine, and cluster diseases have also led to tragedy. The Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation is also a family who lost a beloved daughter to migraine and fights tirelessly so no family ever has to endure their pain again. This year they launched a migraine at school campaign that I am proud to help with. On June 7th, to remember those we’ve lost due to the disabling impact of migraine and headache disease, please light a candle or put a purple light bulb on your porch at 6:00 PM in remembrance. Then take a picture and share it on social media with #ShineALight.
Giveaway: Allay desk lamp-TBA
June 20: Headache Diseases and Men (Father’s Day)
Did you know that 6 to 8 percent of men live with migraine? It’s often stigmatized as a woman’s disease when migraine does not discriminate. Father’s Day, serves as a reminder that dads, grandpas, uncles, and sons all live with migraine.
June 21: Shades for Migraine
This is one of my favorite days of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month 2021 and it’s so simple to participate. Started by the Association of Migraine Disorders, Shades for Migraine unites those who live with migraine by providing purple sunglasses and encouraging others to wear shades. Use #ShadesForMigraine. Their initiative is “Taking It to the Streets”, which spreads awareness at popular locations. This year’s location is a billboard in TimesSquare, New York City. Take a close look on June 21 and see if you recognize anyone. I’m excited to announce that my family has been chosen to represent this campaign and be featured on the billboard!!!!
Past Shades for Migraine events:
Shades for Migraine Pet Photo and Funniest Photo Winner
Wear Shades for Migraine on World Migraine Day
June 29: Chronic Migraine Awareness Day
Red and purple are the colors for Chronic Migraine Awareness. #RallyAgainstChronicMigraine. While purple is the color for migraine, the red stripe differentiates Chronic Migraine.
Ways to Participate in MHAM 2021
- Wear purple- to get Migraine Awareness Merch, check this out.
- Share social media and virtually “make some noise”
- Donate to support research and fellowship programs
- Tell your story- Are you an advocate and want to tell your story? Submit here.
- As always, I’ll do the same here so keep reading My Migraine Life 🙂
- Keep me posted and tag @mymigraine life for support! And please share!!!
Past Migraine and Headache Awareness Month events:
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