Own the Equinox - 2017

On August 22, 2017, join us for this 26-day challenge, culminating in our third global Usher Syndrome Awareness Day on Saturday, September 16, 2017. 

GET STARTED

Here's how it works:

WE provide:

  1. An Own the Equinox guide (available below).
  2. Personalized pages to easily share your #USHEQX efforts with friends and family (create your page here), along with message templates. 
  3. Downloadable campaign graphics (available below) to help you design and market your own mile-a-thon, bike-a-thon, bake-a-thon, etc.

And on August 22nd, YOU:

  1. Pop outside your house to start your own mile-a-thon and walk, run or bike one mile every day for the next 26 days. Or come up with your own a-thon!
  2. Show the world how you Own the Equinox for Usher syndrome awareness. Share your efforts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #USHEQX. 
  3. If you're up for a bigger challenge, you can help raise money for the Usher Syndrome Coalition while you raise awareness about Usher syndrome. Simply set up a fundraising page here then share it with friends and family. Ask them to contribute and/or to share it with others.

Highlights from Past USHEQX Campaigns

2016 Highlights and Blog Series

2015 Participation Map and Blog Series

The Own the Equinox blog series is a compilation of posts from participants from around the world. They write about their experiences with Usher syndrome and why raising awareness about Usher syndrome - and 'Owning the Equinox' - is important to them. We share different posts from around the world throughout the campaign. If you'd like to submit a blog post about how you're Owning the Equinox this year, contact Julia Dunning at j.dunning@usher-syndrome.org today!

Own the Equinox Graphics and Templates

Suggestions:

  • Save the Own the Equinox logo to design your own T-shirts or other gear to help you spread the word.
  • Use the logo as your profile photo on social media.
  • Print the flyers below and bring them to your local event. 
  1. Guide to Owning the Equinox
  2. Get Your Own the Equinox T-Shirts
  3. Own the Equinox Logo - White Text
  4. Own the Equinox Logo - Navy Text
  5. Own the Equinox Logo - High Res (eps file)
  6. Own the Equinox Flyer
  7. Usher Syndrome Coalition Flyer
  8. Facebook Sample Post 1
  9. Facebook Sample Post 2
  10. Twitter: Sample Tweet 1
  11. Twitter: Sample Tweet 2
  12. Email Template - Short Form
  13. Email Template - Long Form

  2. If you're looking for an Own the Equinox T-shirt as you clock your daily miles, you can get them and more at our CafePress Store.

  8. Friends and family, I just signed up for the “Own the Equinox” challenge to raise awareness for Usher syndrome. For the next 26 days, I plan to INSERT ACTIVITY [run, walk, bike] one mile every day. This commitment is very dear to my heart and any support is appreciated. To make a donation, please visit my fundraising page: INSERT LINK

    Spread the word! #USHEQX

  9. I’m helping the Usher Syndrome Coalition and just joined the “Own the Equinox” challenge. If you want to help, it’s not too late! Check out our progress! and if you can, donate now to help keep the sun from setting on those with Usher syndrome. INSERT LINK TO YOUR EQUINOX PAGE

  10. Help put an end to Usher syndrome and join the #USHEQX challenge. Visit [LINK] and make a donation!

  11. Just committed to the #USHEQX challenge – would love your support! Make a donation [LINK] and follow along.

  12. Email Template - Short Form

    Hi [NAME],

    Starting August 22nd, I am participating in the Usher Syndrome Coalition’s “Own the Equinox” challenge. This means I will be INSERT ACTIVITY [walking, running or biking] one mile every day for 26 days!

    What is Usher syndrome? Usher syndrome is the most common genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness, affecting more than 400,000 people worldwide. This genetic disorder can be stopped, but that takes action.

    Why am I helping? In 2015, the Usher syndrome Coalition claimed the third Saturday in September as Usher Syndrome Awareness Day. This year, we are celebrating our third awareness day across the globe on September 16th. It’s time to make Usher syndrome history. This is the first step.

    Leading up to this monumental event, people from all over the world will be taking part in this 26-day challenge. I’ve made a commitment – now I need your help.

    Please visit my page to support this important cause.

    More importantly, share this message with your friends and family.

    I will be sharing my experience on Facebook and Twitter (#USHEQX) and hope you follow me on this journey. We can all do our part and prevent the sun from setting on those with Usher syndrome.

    P.S. For more information on the Coalition visit their website!

  13. Email Template - Long Form

    Hi NAME,

    Starting August 22nd, I am participating in the Usher Syndrome Coalition’s “Own the Equinox” challenge. This means I will be INSERT ACTIVITY [walking, running or biking] one mile every day for 26 days!

    Usher syndrome is the most common genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness, affecting more than 400,000 people worldwide. This genetic disorder can be stopped, but that takes action.

    In 2008, the Usher Syndrome Coalition was founded out of a need to raise awareness for voices not heard. It began as an informal collaboration between a handful of researchers and families devoted to building a network of support for those affected, and improving communication between researchers.

    Today, the Usher Syndrome Coalition is the most comprehensive resource for the Usher syndrome community. The Coalition represents families on every continent and collaborates with researchers from some of the finest international organizations in the world. They help people like 18-year-old Bella overcome the obstacles that Usher has presented.

    Why am I helping? In 2015, the Usher syndrome Coalition claimed the third Saturday in September as Usher Syndrome Awareness Day. This year, we are celebrating our third awareness day across the globe on September 16th. In fact, Usher Syndrome Awareness Day was even registered into the congressional record!

    So what does all this mean? We want to “Own the Equinox.” The equinox is the point when daylight and darkness hang in perfect balance. It is a powerful metaphor for the threat of Usher syndrome. We have the power, today, to stop our world from sliding into darkness.

    I’ve committed to help and now I’m asking for your support. Please visit my [insert Link – personal page or general page] and give what you can to support this important cause.

    More importantly, please share this message with friends and family to help raise awareness. Here is a link with more information on how you can get involved... [insert Link – personal page or general page]

    I will be sharing my experiences on Facebook and Twitter (#USHEQX). Follow along and join me on this journey!

    Sincerely,

    NAME

    P.S. For more information on the Coalition visit their website!