Arthrogryposis (AMC) Awareness Day in Hong Kong

Families from around the globe have been supporting by wearing blue to honour those who are affected by Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC)!

This event has been sponsored by Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc. (AMCSI) and this year they will be celebrating the 8th annual AMC Awareness Day internationally on June 30th. Great work has been happening as some of the states have officially recognised June 30th as Arthrogryposis Awareness Day. There are newspaper articles and even TV commercials to raise this awareness.

Join the Facebook event here – https://www.facebook.com/events/1550179688326419/?ref=br_rs

So what exactly is Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita?

It is defined as having multiple congenital (from birth) joint contracture or multiple joints that are placed in one position and having limited flexibility to move.

There are many subtypes and syndromes under this rare condition and happens 1 in 3000 live births.

What are the causes?

One main cause of arthrogryposis is fetal akinesia. When the baby is inside the womb, there is limited movement as compared to normally. During early pregnancy, the joints, muscles and tendons develop well by the help of the baby’s movements. If a baby has limitation in the movement inside the womb, these parts may not develop well, and extra tissue may form in the joints, making the joints to be stiff or to have difficulty in movements.

What can you do?

There’s a huge support group for AMCers in many countries including the US, the U.K., Australia, Ireland and so on. However, there isn’t much in Hong Kong. We hope to reach out to many families around Asia and create a support group here as well. We also hope that Hong Kong can officially recognise June 30th as Arthrogryposis Awareness Day in the future.

Let’s start now !! Support by wearing your favourite shade of blue! It could be a blue dress, t-shirt, or anything at all. Don’t forget to take a selfie, or a short video (message for AMCers). Please share your photos with us on this event page! Don’t forget to include the hashtag #BlueforAMCHK

To learn more about AMC, please visit the website: https://www.amcsupport.org/