Addison's Disease is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition affecting approximately 1 in 100,000. Increasing awareness of this disease will bring improved care, education and treatment to those affected.
A chronic endocrine disease of the adrenal glands, Addisonians do not produce sufficient steroid hormones and thus need lifelong, continuous replacement therapy. Most often autoimmune in nature, it can also be caused by certain infections and other rarer causes. Other serious health problems often result from or co-exist with Addison's. President Kennedy was known to have had Addison's Disease.
By creating an awareness campaign for this disease, beginning with a Addison's Disease National Awareness Week, those affected may lead fuller, healthier and longer lives.