Tag Archives: eoe day

APFED Celebrates First-Ever World EoE Day on May 22

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ATLANTA, GA — May 16 — The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is proud to join the global launch of the “Unite for EoE: know the signs” campaign in observance of the first-ever World Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Day, taking place on May 22. This worldwide awareness initiative aims to educate the public about the symptoms of this chronic, allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus.

EoE is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, with many people enduring years of unresolved symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, and persistent heartburn before receiving a diagnosis. If left untreated, EoE can lead to scarring and narrowing of the esophagus.

“EoE can greatly impact daily life, yet many people cope with symptoms for years without answers,” said Mary Jo Strobel, Executive Director of APFED. “This World EoE Day – the first ever – we’re encouraging people around the globe to spread awareness of EoE and talk to a doctor if they recognize symptoms of EoE in themselves or a loved one.”

As part of the campaign, APFED is disseminating a variety of resources, including:

  • A World EoE Day webpage featuring downloadable graphics, sample social media posts, and educational resources to empower individuals to raise awareness in their own communities
  • The “Could it be EoE?” tool to help individuals recognize common symptoms and guide conversations with healthcare providers
  • A Specialist Finder to connect patients with clinicians experienced in diagnosing and managing EoE

In addition, APFED will raise awareness through a World EoE Day social media campaign in collaboration with influencers to amplify the message and reach broader audiences.

To learn more and access the resources above, please visit apfed.org/eoeday.

APFED’s celebration of World EoE Day is supported by Abbott, Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform, mBIOTA, Sanofi, Regeneron, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.​

About American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)

Founded in 2001, the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and supports patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated disorders, by providing education, creating awareness, supporting research, and promoting advocacy. To learn more, visit apfed.org.

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APFED Celebrates National Eosinophil Awareness Week with New Initiatives

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ATLANTA, GA — May 12 — National Eosinophil Awareness Week (NEAW) returns May 18–24, 2025, marking 18 years of progress and public engagement initiatives led by the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED).

Eosinophils (pronounced ee-oh-sin-oh-fills) are a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the body’s immune defense. However, when present in excessive numbers, eosinophils can cause chronic inflammation and tissue damage—a hallmark of eosinophil-associated diseases. These conditions, which can affect the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, and other organs, impact both children and adults and are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

Since its inception, NEAW has provided a vital platform to raise awareness among the public and healthcare professionals, with the goal of promoting earlier diagnoses and improving patient outcomes.

To commemorate this year’s observance, APFED will launch a series of initiatives designed to raise awareness and support for patients and their families. Activities include:

  • Distribution of free educational resources to help individuals and organizations share accurate, accessible information
  • A social media campaign highlighting signs and symptoms of eosinophil-associated diseases, encouraging timely medical attention
  • Coordinated magenta lightings of landmarks, bridges, and buildings across the U.S. to visually amplify awareness

APFED will also host its 2nd Annual Virtual Walk for HOPE, a community-driven fundraiser supporting research into eosinophil-associated diseases. Participants are invited to walk, run, bike, or hike in their local areas to help advance understanding and improve outcomes.

Additionally, two global observances will take place during the same week:

  • World Eosinophilic Diseases Day (May 18) – A global initiative to educate, advocate, and drive progress for all eosinophil-associated conditions
  • The inaugural World EoE Day (May 22) – A new awareness day focused on eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic immune-mediated condition where eosinophils accumulate in the esophagus, causing inflammation and difficulty swallowing

“National Eosinophil Awareness Week is a time to educate and bring attention to eosinophil-associated diseases among the public and medical communities,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “When awareness increases, the diagnostic journey shortens, care becomes more effective, and the entire community is better supported. Our goal is to make daily life better for those affected.”

APFED’s celebration of this year’s National Eosinophil Awareness Week is supported by AstraZeneca, Nutricia Neocate®, Sanofi, Regeneron, and Takeda.​

For more information about NEAW activities, resources, a calendar of special lightings, and ways to get involved, visit apfed.org/NEAW.​

About American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)

Founded in 2001, the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and supports patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated disorders, by providing education, creating awareness, supporting research, and promoting advocacy. To learn more, visit apfed.org.

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