May Awareness Month Activity: Write a letter to your MP

Posted April 15th, 2021 by Canadian Hemochromatosis Society

Write a letter or email to your MP/Senator/Provincial or Local Elected Official. Include your personal story to increase the chances of your letter being considered. We’ve provided a template for a letter here:

Date

Dear (MP/Senator/Provincial or Local Elected Official Name):

I am a constituent of yours from Location. I have been personally impacted by the most common genetic disorder in Canada – hemochromatosis.

Hemochromatosis affects thousands of Canadians, but sadly, it remains a little-known condition. People with hemochromatosis are at risk of absorbing too much dietary iron, which in turn can lead to iron overload.

Because symptoms mask themselves as more common conditions, diagnosis is often delayed. If it goes undetected, iron overload can cause serious and even fatal diseases like diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease. Treatment is simple and almost always effective. That is why awareness is everything.

My personal journey with hemochromatosis began when I developed joint pain in my right foot and ankle. I then became tired all of the time. At 36, my doctor told me I was getting old. Depression set in. My doctor prescribed anti-depressants. I then developed type II diabetes, and my doctor prescribed medication to control my blood sugar. Over time, my diabetes worsened, I lost weight, was continuously exhausted and became unable to work. Six years from the start of my symptoms and three doctors later, I was diagnosed with hereditary hemochromatosis after finally having the proper tests.

Each year, the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society/ Société canadienne de l’hémochromatose declares May as Hemochromatosis Awareness Month to draw attention to hereditary hemochromatosis. In honour of this month, would you please help our community by putting an article about hemochromatosis in your newsletter or on your website or social media accounts? There are many resources and supports available through the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society’s website toomuchiron.ca and their Facebook page @TooMuchIron. Early detection and treatment will save lives, lead to healthier communities, and lower health care costs.

Thank you for taking swift action for members of your community like myself.

Sincerely,

Your name, city, province

*The blue coloured text represents your personal information/story that lead you or a family member/friend to a diagnosis.

Search for your local MP’s contact information here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/search