Global Tracheostomy Tube Awareness Week

A mom of a little girl with a trach wanted the world to know one thing: that her daughter was just like any other child, but happened to need a tracheostomy and ventilator to breathe. This desire led to the creation of the first annual Global Tracheostomy Tube Awareness Week, which will be held this May 13-19, 2012.

trachin

Hosted jointly by Kids with Vents and Mommies of Miracles, the goal of this week is to, “destigmatize children, youth, and adults living with and thriving via tracheostomy tube usage as medical-life support.” They want to spread awareness about people with trachs, who go to school, work, play sports, and live life to the fullest, with a little assistance from a tracheostomy tube.

What is a Trach or Tracheostomy Tube?

A trach or tracheostomy tube is a small tube inserted through the neck and directly into the trachea. There are a wide range of conditions that may require a trach, including neuromuscular diseases, congenital malformations of the airway or face, vocal cord paralysis, aspiration, disorders of respiratory control, obstructive sleep apnea, a variety of chronic lung diseases, tracheomalacia, tumors, and other conditions.

Some children require a trach for life, while others only need it temporarily. While some children need no further support other than the trach itself, other children require oxygen or ventilator support through the trach to assist with breathing.

What Will Global Tracheostomy Tube Awareness Week Include?

Global Tracheostomy Tube Awareness Week will be hosted virtually on the Mommies of Miracles Facebook page from noon to 6:00pm CST May 13-18, 2012, with a wrap up from noon to 1:00pm on May 19. Each day will feature tracheostomy-related resources and information, educational materials, personal stories and reflections, awareness facts, products and services related to trachs, and daily giveaways. Each day will have a theme, as listed below:

  • Sunday 05/13/12: Launch Party
  • Monday 05/14/12: Educational Day
  • Tuesday 05/15/12: Caregiver and Patient Resource Day
  • Wednesday 05/16/12: Sponsorship Products and Services Day
  • Thursday 05/17/12: Personal Reflection Day
  • Friday 05/18/12: MOM “BIG-Give “ Day Giveaways Galore
  • Saturday 05/19/12: Wrap Up and Thanks

Corporate sponsors include Neotech Products, Pepper Medical, and Kimberly Clark, as well as a wide range of supporting organizations and businesses.

Global Tracheostomy Tube Awareness Week will also feature a promotional video, awareness video, and Trach Week gear.

Author: Susan Agrawal • Date: 4/11/2012

Additional Resources

Articles in This Edition

Facebook Comments