October 31, 2007 is the first ever Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Day
Help to spread awareness and recognition of this complex, chronic and at times baffling, condition by taking a few moments to talk about IC with those who you feel may want (or need) to know about it, or by expressing your love and support to anyone in your life who is battling IC. Invite friends, family members, colleagues, peers or whomever you wish to read about and discuss IC and its many effects on the lives of those with this this serious bladder ailment. Take a moment to ponder what IC means not only to you as an individual, but also on a global scale.
Current figures suggest that IC effects more than a million people in the United States alone, that's one in every 300 Americans, only slightly less than the number who are affected by Lupus, a far more widely known condition.
On October 31st consider switching from the customary role of wearing black and orange for Halloween to donning some turquoise or blue instead, as these are the widely recognized IC awareness colours (or pin a homemade turquoise ribbon on top of your Halloween costume or clothing, chances are people will definitely notice it and ask you what it represents).
IC doesn't discriminate, it can strike anyone at anytime (though it is more prevalent amongst women), which is all the more reason why it pays to know what the signs and symptoms of IC are. Together we can help to educate the public about IC by bringing some much needed attention to Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome and the many ways in which it can impact people of all ages and walks of life.