MASKS GOT COLORFUL!
Masks just got colorful in order to raise awareness about leukemia. Students of Child Development Program, Vocational School of Health Services, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), started an awareness campaign titled, “Look At Me, Not My Mask” as part of the “Leukemia Awareness Week” (November 2-8). Students drew pictures of sky, sea, fish, and stars on the masks, got their selfies taken, and posted them on social media.
Ezgi Oral, Lecturer, Child Development Program, IUE Vocational School of Health Services, reported that leukemia was not contagious, and patients wore masks for precautionary purposes, that they did not want to be exposed to germs, and protect themselves. Oral said, “The studies suggest that leukemia make up for 35% of the childhood cancer cases. One thousand 200 to one thousand 500 children under the age of 16 are being diagnosed with leukemia in Turkey every year. However, all age groups can develop leukemia. Although a serious disease, leukemia is treatable and often curable with a proper treatment and moral support (up to 85% of recovery).”
‘Support for children with leukemia’
Kids ages 2 to 5 are more likely to be affected, indicated Oral and reported that those were the ages when kids wanted to be more active and playful. Oral said that any support during their illness would ease the process and help them feel better. Oral stated that she and her students wanted to raise awareness on this illness.