October is Gaucher Awareness Month

How You Can Help People Living with Gaucher Disease

Gaucher (Go-Shay) disease is a rare inherited disorder caused by a deficiency in a particular enzyme. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 40,000 to 60,000 people in the general population have Gaucher – and it is the most common genetic disease among Ashkenazi Jews. People with the disease often experience severe bone pain and fatigue along with other symptoms.

During October, you can show your support for people affected by Gaucher disease and make a great fashion statement at the same time by taking part in the Steps Ahead of Gaucher effort. It’s free and fun! The Steps Ahead of Gaucher program will be distributing free green shoelaces to thousands of people in the coming weeks.

All you have to do is get your laces and wear them during October, and you will be joining the effort to help raise awareness of Gaucher disease. Here’s how it works.

1. Visit the Steps Ahead of Gaucher web site to order your FREE pair of green shoelaces.
2. Wear the green laces during Gaucher Awareness Month in October.
3. Take a photo of yourself wearing the green Gaucher shoelaces and upload it to the photo gallery at www.stepsaheadofgaucher.com. You can also share your photo on Facebook or Twitter, hashtag #stepsaheadofgaucher.
4. Genzyme Corporation, the sponsor of the Steps Ahead of Gaucher program, will make a donation to the National Gaucher Foundation for every photo that is posted on the web site during October.
5. Get creative! Get your friends, co-workers or family involved and take a group photo with everyone wearing their laces. And remember you can use the laces to make a fashion bracelet or necklace instead – by sporting the green laces you will be helping the world to learn about Gaucher disease.

Visit http://www.stepsaheadofgaucher.com for more information.