21 June is a solstice – a turning point – and each year the ALS/MND community undertake a range of activities to express their hope that this day will be another turning point in the search for cause, treatment and cure of this awful disease.
Global Day is important because it is one day that every member of the International Alliance has in common to reflect their dedication and role in the global fight against ALS/MND. Many countries already have awareness days, weeks and even a month of recognising ALS/MND and stimulating a period of intense effort to promote awareness. But this one day allows us to recognise that we are not alone in our fight against ALS/MND, and that patients, carers, former carers, scientists, health care professionals, volunteers and many, many others are all part of this fight.
Global Day is an event that knows no boundaries, so everybody can be involved. Any event (big or small), any activity, any act, can be a part of raising awareness of ALS/MND.
The fight against ALS/MND is a global fight. ALS/MND affects people in every country in the world, and takes no notice of race, colour, faith or economic status. It is indiscriminate, and every diagnosis affects a much larger circle of family, friends, relatives, workmates and others.