Sport Purple for Platelets Day – September 27, 2019
Sport Purple for Platelets Day is observed in September to raise awareness related to Immune (or Idiopathic) Thrombocytopenia Purpura disorder.
Sangeeta Jain
Sep 25, 2019
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Purple for Platelets Day 2019: The whole September is ITP Awareness Month, and the last week is Global ITP Awareness Week and the last Friday is Purple for Platelets Day and this year it will be held on September 29th, which is also known as Sport Purple for Platelets Day. This day is devoted to raising awareness and understanding of this health disorder. There are plenty of things that every individual can do to get involved and help to make a difference.
First, what is ITP?
ITP stands for Immune (or Idiopathic) Thrombocytopenia Purpura. It is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system creates antibodies that attack and kill healthy platelets. Platelets are essential parts of the blood clotting process. Individuals with this condition can have a significantly lower number of platelets, which can then greatly increase their risk of bleeding.
5 Informative Facts about ITP
- It was one of the first autoimmune disorders discovered
ITP was one of the first diseases that proved the body’s own tissue could be attacked by its antibodies.
- It’s more common in women
Women are twice as likely to get ITP as men.
- ITP can lower your life expectancy
In fact, your life expectancy can be shortened by up to 20 years.
- Viral infections can cause it
All viral infections can potentially lead to acute ITP.
- ITP can be the result of vaccines
Some popular vaccines (MMR, HPV) have been linked to ITP.
Sport Purple for Platelets Day - History
2008
Long-term treatment is approved
The FDA approved Romiplostim — an injection that treats adult chronic ITP.
1950s
Steroids changed the game
They replaced splenectomies as the best remedy option.
1916
A splenectomy led to an ITP discovery
Paul Kaznelson, a Polish medical student, contributed to the first successful therapy for ITP.
1880s
Purpura is connected to platelets
Investigators began to link purpura with platelet count abnormalities
1735
Purpura was thoroughly understood
Paul Gottlieb Werlhof, a German physician and poet, wrote the most thorough explanation of the purpura of ITP.
Also Read - India to host 'World Tourism Day' celebrations in 2019
Why Sport Purple for Platelets Day is Important
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It spotlights a rare disease
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It supports those who suffer from ITP
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It raises money for a worthy cause
How to Observe Sport Purple for Platelets Day
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Show your support by hosting a fundraiser
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Light up the night
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It may seem obvious, but…sport purple!
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