As we start a new school year, crayons are one of the most popular items on supply lists. Crayons are fun to draw with and bring back lots of childhood memories, but they also create a palette of colors that represent an array of causes. Often, these colors are presented in a heart or ribbon shape. In case you aren’t sure which color represents what cause, let me define a few that play an important part in my life:
Green
Green represents the Cerebral Palsy, a brain disorder that appears in infancy or early childhood and permanently affects body movements and muscle coordination. Cerebral Palsy (or CP as I refer to it) is also the disability that I have. I love sharing advocating for myself and others with CP because it’s easy for some to make assumptions about this disability that are simply not true. Since green represents CP, I guess I’ll be adding more of that color to my wardrobe!
Purple
Purple represents Dementia as well as Alzheimer’s Disease. Dementia is a general term describing a decline in mental ability, while Alzheimer’s disease is a specific, progressive brain disease that causes dementia. Essentially, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.
Before my precious mother passed, she suffered from Dementia, so I understand its devastating effects first-hand. It’s my hope a cure will be found soon. But purple also represents royalty, and since my mother was a Queen in her own right, I know she’s taking up court in the heavens and resting well.
Blue
Blue represents autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Autism is called a spectrum disorder because the characteristics and severity of autism vary greatly from person to person.
I have several family members with this disability who are very bright young people that make me immensely proud. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what they will accomplish in the future to impact the world for the good.
Red
Red (my favorite color) represents heart disease. Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It encompasses a wide range of disorders, including:
- Coronary artery disease: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart
- Heart failure: Inability of the heart to pump blood effectively
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle
- Congenital heart defects: Abnormalities present at birth
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. It can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and its risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease.
I think we often take our heart for granted, because we just expect it to beat? But it probably gets tired of working 24 hours a day 365 a year, so I’m going to try not to overwork mine. I’m going to give it some chill out time and try not to overstimulate it by worrying about things that might disturb its rhythm.
Now that you know the colors and causes that are important to me, I’d like to hear from you! Which disabilities color your world? What colors represent them?
Oh where to begin…. Type 1 Diabetes for my daughter is Blue and grey with a red blood drop at the end.
ALS for my sister-in-law is blue with white pinstripes.
Dawn,
Thank you for the comment. I had no idea the colors for Type 1 Diabetes and ALS. Thanks, for enlightening me.
Epilepsy Awareness is also the color purple. This is important to me because ever since I was 2 yrs. old I had uncontrolled epileptic seizures. As of today I am 14.5 years seizure free. I advocate for others that are not as well off and help get them resources that will make their life easier.
Matthew,
I know you’re a great ambassador for epilepsy and look good in purple! Thank you for the comment.
What a clever title for your blog today! I had no clue what you were writing about. I do like green and that seems to be good for me since it represents cerebral palsy and that is my disability. Purple is my favorite color nowadays. Red is a close 2nd. My mother died from Alzheimer’s disease and I have been to many Alzheimer’s walks through the years to support advancements in treatment and a cure to rid the world of this devastation to the brain.
Hey Mary Ellen!
Thank you for the comment and continued support on the blog. Maybe in the future you and I can participate in an Alzheimer’s walk. I’d love to do it to honor my mother’s memory.