Hypoparathyroidism (HPTH) is a rare endocrine condition that is unknown by many people because it is so uncommon. Although it only affects a small number of people, its effects on a person are huge. People with Hypoparathyroidism, whether it is Iatrogenic (caused by surgical removal) or Idiopathic (without a defined cause), all have insufficient levels of parathyroid hormone causing the inability to regulate blood calcium levels. Although living with falling blood calcium levels is difficult, it is possible by taking a precarious combination of many medicines and supplements. Hypoparathyroidism causes extreme weakness among other unpleasant symptoms and can be life-threatening if calcium blood levels drop too low.
To raise awareness for our uncommon condition, my friends and I at HPTH UK honored the day by wearing green and encouraging our friends, family, and peers to do the same. We used phrases such as "Going Green for Hypoparathyroidism!" and "Green for a Growing Awareness for HPTH!" to spread the word of our day.
The day was a success as we had 463 people from all over the world confirm via Facebook that they would wear green June 1st to support us. My family, friends, and school community at The Galloway School in Atlanta, GA were wonderful and went all-out to support me by wearing green for the first World HPTH Awareness Day as you will see in the following pictures.
 |
| Over 75 students and teachers at The Galloway School in Atlanta, GA wore green to support HPTH Awareness Day |
 |
| Morgan (right) and I (left) Going Green for HPTH! |
 |
| Close-up of the group |
 |
| Friends Laura (left) and Erin (right) and I (center) wearing green HPTH Awareness shirts. |
