Wishbone Day

Regional Liaison for Asia on board!!

2012-02-22T23:49:00.000+11:00

We are pleased to announce our very first volunteer Wishbone Day Regional Liaison!
Jeneth Sabay-Catapang has capably stepped up to this role for the Asia region.

Jeneth has been busy working to raise awareness of OI in the Philippines where she has been instrumental in the growth and establishment of the OI support - Philippines. Jeneth will use her passion for Wishbone Day and OI awareness to help others in the Asia region to make the most from their Wishbone Day celebrations and to share these activities through the Wishbone Day website.

Wishbone Day 2012 is shaping up to be our largest Wishbone Day yet. We're anticipating large numbers of people and communities to get involved and our new regional roles will assist in bringing Wishbone Day news to your inboxes as it unfolds.

If you live in the Asia region and have plans for Wishbone Day activities, please let Jeneth know! She would love to hear from you. You can email Jeneth at asia@wishboneday.com

A word from Jeneth

JENETH SABAY-CATAPANG

(Philippines)

Currentlyleading OI Support - Philippines

I’m JenethCatapang from the Philippines. Myfriends call me Jen. I am 36 yrsold, married and I have 2 children , both with Type 1 Osteogenesis Imperfecta.I am a Chemist by profession. Ichose to Advocate for OI Awareness because I believe that providing factual information isessential to a better understanding of OI and further leads to a better qualityof life of our children in aholistic sense. This is the bestgift that we can give them, and their (future) children.

Please help us welcome Jeneth to the Wishbone Day team.

Stay tuned over the coming days and weeks as we introduce you to the Regional Liaison for Australia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa.

Wishbone Day Challenge

2012-02-10T00:16:00.000+11:00

Did you know ... that access to treatment and support is still denied to some children and families living with OI? Awareness makes a difference!

Join our #WishboneDayChallenge. Read about how CLAN, The Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah and others are helping to bring better access and greater awareness to children and families living in resource poor regions. How can you make a difference where you live?

Applications closing!!...

2012-02-09T19:19:00.000+11:00

Applications for the Volunteer Regional Liaison Roles are closing very soon!!!

These exciting new roles will help us track and coordinate Wishbone Day 2012. Successful applicants will be an integral part of the Wishbone Day admin team to bring forward news about Wishbone Day 2012 as it unfolds. Help us keep the world up to date!

If you're up for the challenge to help us share Wishbone Day with the world and to promote awareness about Wishbone Day and OI, send us an email with the region you would like to represent, the skills you can bring and why you would like to be a Wishbone Day Regional Liaison! Read the role description and send your application today!

Wishbone Day Liaison Regions

- Africa
- Asia
- Australia/New Zealand
- Europe
- North America
- South America

More information is here:
http://www.wishboneday.com/2012/01/were-recruiting.html

Hope to hear from you soon!

Next stop, Brazil

2012-02-08T00:26:00.000+11:00

With my trip through Europe complete I am now headed to Brazil! I am so excited to again be travelling to a new part of the world and meeting new family and friends. I'll let you know when I arrive!!

Until touch down in Brazil!
Stay safe

Wishy

We're recruiting!

2012-01-30T11:57:00.000+11:00

VOLUNTEER Position/s – Feb-June 2012

Are you excited and passionate about Wishbone Day?

Do you like to share your excitement about Wishbone Day with other people?

Are you interested in a Volunteer Regional Liaison role with Wishbone Day?

You might be just the person Wishbone Day is looking for!

Regional Liaison Role (Volunteer)
Now in its third year, international Wishbone Day is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever! To make sure we continue to meet the needs of our growing community, Wishbone Day seeks six volunteers for Regional Liaison Roles to promote awareness about Wishbone Day and OI in your region or area of the world.

This is an unpaid volunteer role which will require at least one hour once a week from your own home for three months.

Each Regional Liaison will join our online international support team to bring Wishbone Day to more individuals and community groups across the world and to raise positive awareness of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) through local and international community activities.

Wishbone Day Liaison Regions

- Africa
- Asia
- Australia/New Zealand
- Europe
- North America
- South America

About Wishbone Day
Wishbone Day is an international awareness day for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (also known as 'brittle bones'). Wishbone Day is not a fundraising event. Wishbone Day is celebrated on the 6th May each year. Wishbone Day was first celebrated in 2010 and 6 May 2012 will be the third International Wishbone Day.

Wishbone Day has grown all over the world with generous, creative and excited people who also want to celebrate and promote awareness of OI!

Wishbone Day belongs to everyone who celebrates the lives of people living with OI.
Benefits to you
This volunteer role is your opportunity to:

Connect with other creative and passionate people who know that OI is no showstopper!
Contribute to the awareness and celebration of the lives of people with OI
Be an agent for positive change within your local and international community
Bring Wishbone Day to your region of the world in celebration of people with OI worldwide!

Tasks and responsibilities

Collect photos and stories about Wishbone Day activities for the Wishbone Day website and social media
Promote 6th May as Wishbone Day throughout your region and networks
Connect people in the Wishbone Day community with each other in a spirit of goodwill to create strong happy communities
Encourage others to support Wishbone Day through activities like wearing yellow, telling people about Wishbone Day and most of all celebrating Wishbone Day on 6 May
Support 'Wishy' in his world tour to OI events such as conferences and Wishbone Day activities in your region
Identify opportunities for Wishbone Day promotion and OI awareness within your region
Report regional Wishbone Day developments back to the team on a weekly basis

Essential Criteria

Access to the Internet and the ability to effectively communicate via email, Skype or other Internet based communication method.
Commitment to the Regional Liaison Role for three months
Time to promote awareness about Wishbone Day in your region or area of the world
Ability to engage with the OI community and increase OI awareness without the explicit need for fundraising
Commitment to raise awareness about Wishbone Day and encourage positive change and outcomes for people living with OI.

Desirable Criteria

Previous experience (volunteer or employed) in community development or relevant training.

Support

The Wishbone Day office is a 'virtual office', without premises, paid staff or funding. Founder Jo Ragen can provide contact and support via Skype and email as required. Craig Andrews provides support services to Wishbone Day and can also be contacted via Skype and email.

Location

Each Regional Liaison role will operate from where you live.

To apply for this role

If you are interested in joining our team please apply via email to info@wishboneday.com by Friday 10 February 2012.

Your application email must address the following:

1. The region you would like to represent
2. The skills you bring to this role and
3. Why you would like to be a Wishbone Day Regional Liaison!

For more information

Please visit the website at http://www.wishboneday.com/

If you have further questions, please email Craig Andrews: info@wishboneday.com
Subject: Attention to International Volunteer Support Services Coordinator

What's possible?

2012-01-29T09:19:00.000+11:00

Wishbone Day started with the question "What's possible?"

Since then Wishbone Day has surged its way across the world raising awareness about Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Wishbone Day is making a difference through each and every one of you who embrace the fun and joy of Wishbone Day! We've seen improved networks and supports, better access to schools and other community agencies, greater understanding from communities and an overwhelming burst of enthusiasm towards action and hope for the future.

We love hearing your stories about how Wishbone Day has made a difference to your life, the amazing people you've met and the fun you've had on Wishbone Day. :-)

So what's possible for Wishbone Day in 2012?

What's possible for you in 2012?

What's possible for people with OI? What can we do in the world?

Click the Post a Comment link below and tell us!
We want to hear from you what's possible!!

Wishbone Day Challenge

2012-01-29T00:05:00.000+11:00

Did you know ... that Wishbone Day yellow symbolises optimism and carries the promise of a positive future?

Join our #WishboneDayChallenge. Will you go yellow this Wishbone Day?

Wishbone Day Challenge

2012-01-28T09:31:00.000+11:00

Did you know ... that access to schools, workplaces and other community venues can be a challenge for people living with OI?

Join our #WishboneDayChallenge. What changes can you make to achieve better access where you live?

Wishbone Day Challenge

2012-01-24T10:28:00.000+11:00

DId you know ... that for many people living with OI, the limiting beliefs and assumptions from others are their greatest challenge?

Join our #WishboneDayChallenge. What assumptions do you make about people living with OI?

Wishbone Day Challenge

2012-01-20T23:57:00.000+11:00

DId you know ... that for many people living with OI, the limiting beliefs and assumptions from others are their greatest challenge?

Join our #WIshboneDayChallenge. Check in with your own assumptions. Do they limit or facilitate others?

#WishboneDayChallenge

Viva Quito!

2012-01-05T18:28:00.000+11:00

I've just spent 3 weeks in sunny Ecuador!

It was fantastic to attend the II Latin American OI Congress in Quito. There was so much to see and so many new friends to meet. Here I am with Justin and Hilda.

I was so very excited to meet the OI-team from Shriners Hospital Montreal and the famous Dr. Fassier!

Dr Fassier and his colleague Dr. Pierre Duval invented the Fassier-Duval Telescopic Rod. This is a rod that is used to surgically straighten and strengthen the long bones of the legs and arms of children living with OI. The amazing thing about Dr Fassiers invention is the rod grows as a child grows which means less surgeries to replace the rod as kids grow up. The Fassier-Duval Rod is used in more than 45 countries worldwide! Thank you Dr Fassier for your amazing work! :-)

After the Congress it was time for some sight seeing. I went to the Otavalo Indio Market and met these delightful little puppets.

and then was treated to a ride with my new friends on a "Chiva" during the "Fiestas de Quito" - an open bus driving through Quito's old town - viva Quito!

I've had such a great time and have learned so much. I hope that my new friends here in Ecuador are as excited as I am for Wishbone Day 2012. It's only 5 months to go!

Have you started planning your Wishbone Day celebration? Click here to write me a note and let me know what you have planned.

I hope to see you soon!

Wishy

More than a bright yellow shirt

2012-01-04T22:03:00.000+11:00

This time last year we announced our exciting new Rotary partnership. This was a big step forward for Wishbone Day to maximise awareness and sustainable growth worldwide.

One of the many benefits to our partnership with Rotary Club Dee Why Warringah was that it enabled Wishbone Day to include a small profit margin to awareness items purchased in our online Wishbone Day store.

We're delighted to share that through your purchases and the support of Rotary Dee Why Warringah the profits raised from the sale of awareness items from the Wishbone Day store during 2011 have been donated to CLAN to contribute to the launch and some ongoing support of the OI Club in Vietnam.

For many families living with OI in resource-poor countries there is very little available in the way of access to effective medicine, treatment or support.

74 families gained direct benefit from the OI gathering in Hanoi in November and these families will celebrate their first Wishbone Day with us in 2012! AWARENESS MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Wishbone Day is not a fundraising event and our primary focus remains with awareness raising; it is however exciting to know that through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah when you purchase a Wishbone Day shirt or other awareness item from our online store you will be benefiting OI communities and awareness worldwide.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah for their ongoing generosity, support and enthusiasm to raise OI awareness and support for families around the world.

If you haven't yet purchased your Wishbone Day shirt for 2012 jump online and check out the many items available.

Welcome to our friends in Vietnam

2011-12-28T16:21:00.000+11:00

With the support of CLAN, the National Hospital of Pediatrics (NHP) in Hanoi, Children's Hospital Westmead (CHW in Sydney, Australia), the Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah, Wishbone Day and other key partners, the launch of Vietnam's Inaugural Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Club was achieved!

This was a special day with a gathering of 74 families all with children who are living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) in Vietnam. We are excited that Wishbone Day 2012 will be celebrated by our OI Families in Vietnam and that ongoing development for awareness and better outcomes for families.

Here is a reflection of this amazing day from CLAN.

Wishy in the Netherlands

2011-11-20T15:18:00.000+11:00

Here I am in the Netherlands having a fantastic time.

I visited a lovely town called Putten where I attended a meeting of the Dutch OI Association. I've met so many new friends and shared so much about Wishbone Day.

My friends Norbert Boumans and Taco van Welzenis took these wonderful photos.

This is a photo of when I met some "zwarte Pieten" (black Pete). Black Pete traditionally help the Dutch "Sinterklaas" with the distribution of sweets and presents to children. They are so mischievous!

It has been so much fun to learn about new cultures and traditions and how our friends all over the world celebrate special times together. Leaning new things has really been a highlight of my world adventure.

After the meeting some of my friends took me to one of the local hotels. I was feeling very thirsty so my friends gave me a lovely drink. We had so much fun that I started feeling a little dizzy! I've really enjoyed my visit in the Netherlands.

The next part of my travels will take me across the Ocean to Ecuador. I can't wait to meet my travel buddies and hosts Maria Barbero and Oliver Semler, a paediatrician from Cologne University Clinic for Children. Together we will attend the second Latin American OI Congress in Quito, Ecuador.

Soon I will also visit Peru, Mexico and Brazil. Such exciting adventures!

Together for a better world for all

2011-11-19T14:18:00.000+11:00

(OI Panama)

Why is Wishbone Day important?

Because awareness makes a difference!

Wishbone Day is not a fundraising event.

All we ask is that you wear yellow on Wishbone Day.

Wishbone Day yellow SHINES with optimism & happiness

And carries the promise of a positive future!

The theme for this years' international day of people with disability is 'together for a better world for all'. On the 3rd of December wear your Wishbone Day yellow with pride and together we will make a better world for all!

Awareness makes a difference!

It's almost launch day!

2011-11-08T18:10:00.000+11:00

Thanks to our great friends at CLAN, the National Hospital of Pediatrics (NHP) in Hanoi, Children's Hospital Westmead (CHW in Sydney, Australia) and other key partners, we'll see the launch of Vietnam's Inaugural OI Club on 14th November.

We're super excited about this life changing event! Yes, you heard it right - LIFE CHANGING! About 120 children will immediately benefit from the launch of this OI club that will continue to benefit families for generations to come.

If you know of families living in this region please be sure to let them know. AWARENESS MAKES A DIFFERENCE! We'll look forward to bringing you updates soon.

Thanks to our friend Yenthanh Mac for translating so many OI resources into Vietnamese including our Wishbone Day video!

ACHOO from Europe!

2011-10-22T17:39:00.003+11:00

I am having the best time here in Europe even though Ute and I, have both caught a little cold. We have been sneezing and sniffling - ACHOOOO!

In Sevilla we had 40°c and here in Germany about 35°c less .... it's very chilly. I may need to buy a nice warm yellow scarf or woollen hat to keep warm.

Last weekend in Sevilla, Spain I attended the Spanish OI Congress of AHUCE. I spent lots of time with my good buddy Raffa and met so many other new and old friends.

(Click here for more photos)

Look how many new friends I made this day! We had such a wonderful time together and I have learned so much.

I can't wait to see all their creative ideas for celebrating Wishbone Day 2012. I am sure it will be the best and biggest Wishbone Day EVER!

Just the other day I learned about the new Wishbone Day Soccer team in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands).

Look how awesome they look in their bright Wishbone Day yellow uniforms! I will write more about them soon so watch for updates on my latest news.

Tomorrow I will visit a small OI meeting in Germany. I am looking forward to meeting many more beautiful friends.

In December, I have been invited to cross the big ocean to visit the Latin American OI Congress in Quito/Ecuador! I am so excited for this part of my trip. I can't wait to meet my friends from Ecuador!

From Ecuador my friends have suggested that I visit Peru and then go to Mexico! I am not sure who will be my travel buddy, so please let me know if you can help me with my travels to Peru and Mexico!

I am having such a great time here. It is so very beautiful!

Best wishes and many greetings for now,

Wishy

A visit to Omaha

2011-10-19T23:02:00.001+11:00

I'm not sure how this post got missed. I think it must have got caught up in my luggage while I was travelling from country to county. My apologies for the very late UPDATE!

Before I flew to Germany and Spain, I spent four lovely weeks in the USA. I had planned on going to Camp Attitude where so many of my good friends and OI family visit each year but unfortunately my flight from Australia was delayed and I was one day too late to travel with my buddies to camp. I was thrilled that my friends made up for me not being there in person by adding me in spirit to their activities.

Here is Aubrey with Wishbone Day face-paint and Avery, Alexi, Lexi, Robbie and Halle with a picture of me made in the snow. What fun!

Next, I travelled to Omaha with Avery and Mary to visit with Dr Esposito at the OI Clinic. I was so excited to finally meet all the staff, kids and families that visited. Jennifer had posted me a note way back in May inviting me to Omaha, so I was very excited to finally be here! I met many great friends and had such a fun time.

Avery even gave me a ride on his wagon! Woooo!!

Mary reminded us that we should do a Wishbone Day clip to add to the next Wishbone Day promo video. Jonathon and Dr Esposito practiced their lines: Why is Wishbone Day Important? Because awareness makes a difference!

It was so funny when Dr Esposito forgot his line! Oh NO!! He better practice lots before Wishbone Day 2012!

Next time you visit Dr Esposito at Omaha be sure to ask him: Why is Wishbone Day important? and if he forgets, remind him - Because awareness makes a difference!

Remember to send in your Why is Wishbone Day important? 10 second video clip to add to the promo video. If you haven't already sent your video - do it soon! Need a reminder? Click here

I'll be back in the USA soon so if you can put me up for a few nights, let me know. Leave me a comment or send me an email to wishy@wishboneday.com

Did you know ... that I have my very own personal Facebook page? I use it to share my big adventure - how exciting! I'd love for you to say hi to me there!. Kids, you may have to help your Mum or Dad with Facebook because they probably wont have their own :-)

Don't be shy, say hi!!

Vietnam OI Club

2011-10-15T14:55:00.002+11:00

Did you know? on Monday 14 November, Vietnam will have their very first Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Club?

CLAN (Caring & Living as Neighbours) is a community development based organisation committed to bringing the highest quality of life possible for all children. In November 2011, CLAN will bring together around 120 children with OI, their families and supporters to launch the first OI Club in Vietnam! Through this club, families, friends and the community will discover the best ways to ensure their children enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

Starting a new club isn't easy. Our friends in the Philippines launched their first OI club at the beginning of Wishbone Day in 2010. With the help of Rotary Club of Dee Why Warringah, Batangas Rotary and other generous friends the OI Support-Philippines was launched and is growing each day. Click here to read their message of success to families in Vietnam.

CLAN will bring together supporters from the National Hospital of Pediatrics (NHP) in Hanoi, Children's Hospital Westmead (CHW in Sydney, Australia), Wishbone Day and other key partners to support the launch of this Inaugural Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Club.

Click here to learn more about this exciting development.

Click here to learn more about CLAN.

Let us know if you have exciting new OI developments we can share. Because awareness makes a difference!

Adventure in Europe

2011-10-15T14:26:00.001+11:00

My adventure in Europe has been fantastic so far! I love it here!!

I attended the OIFE's19th annual meeting and then the really exciting Scientific Conference in Dubrovnik, Croatia. I've met many new friends who are planning Wishbone Day events for 2012. I really think that Wishbone Day 2012 will be the best we've ever had! Thank you Ute from OIFE for introducing me to so many wonderful friends.

On Thursday I arrived in Sevilla, Spain. I am visiting at the OI-Congress of OIFE's Spanish member organisation. I am so excited to be spending time with my friends from Spain. 'Did you know' that when Wishbone Day first started in 2010, Spain was our first group of friends outside of Australia to translate Wishbone Day into another language other than English?

This is me with Rafa, who has helped so much with Wishbone Day in Spain! Thank you Rafa!!

Next week I will visit with friends in Germany and then in December, I'm off to Quito, Ecuador! Maria Barbero and Oliver Semler, a paediatrician from Cologne University Clinic for Children will be my hosts and travel buddies. Together we will attend the second Latin American OI Congress in Quito, Ecuador.

My friends back in Australia have told me that Dr Kate Armstrong from CLAN and A/Prof Craig Munns from the Childrens Hospital at Westmead were awesome at the presentation with Rotary Dee Why Warringah on Tuesday night (11 October). I am so excited that soon friends in Vietnam will join our global OI family and will be celebrating Wishbone Day in 2012.

If you'd like to be my host where you live, please let me know through my Facebook page! or email Jo and I will do my very best to get there!

Next stop Spain!

2011-10-07T00:30:00.003+11:00

I arrived safely in Germany and met up with my travel buddy Ute from OIFE. We travelled together to the OIFE conference in Dubrovnik, Croatia where I met some wonderful new friends including friends all the way from Australia, Helen Keogh and Professor David Silence! Can you see me in the photo below? I'm sitting with my new friend Terese from Sweden!

After the OIFE conference, I was so excited to be invited to join the 11th International Conference on OI! It is such an exciting time to be meeting so many amazing new friends and learning of all the awesome Wishbone Day ideas being planned for 2012. Awareness really does make a difference!

Delegates from the 2011 OIFE Conference, Dubrovnik Croatia

I have just heard that there will be an OI conference for the first time in Mexico in January 2012. So, I am going to try and get to that one. Is there anyone who can put me up for a few days in Mexico? I need a travel buddy! Please leave me a comment or email me on wishy@wishboneday.com if you're keen to be my travel buddy in Mexico!

I have also heard about the exciting news that our friends in Vietnam will soon be launching their OI Club. I can't wait to hear all about their first meeting in November! Maybe I could visit Vietnam sometime soon!!

Ute was worried that I might be getting homesick. But no, I'm having far too much fun to be homesick! Soon I will say good bye to Croatia and head to Spain for the Congress on OI in Sevilla and will meet more OI family and friends!

I can't wait! Spain here I come!!

Wishbone Day 2011 News is here!

2011-09-28T01:19:00.005+10:00

We've had some requests to provide 'Wishbone Day News 2011 as a download' to print off and share with your friends and family. So we've answered the call with a condensed version of Wishbone Day 2011.

You'll find a small sample of Wishbone Day celebration photos that were shared by Wishbone Day supporters and published via our website, as well as the FAQ and a few 'did you know...' info bites.

Download and print WishBone Day News 2011 to help your family, friends and colleagues learn more about Wishbone Day or send it to anyone who does not have access to the internet!

We would love to get details of your OI awareness events. You can also add your 'Did you know...' items by sending us interesting news about our OI community.

I'll get you started :) Did you know... its only 221 days until Wishbone Day 2012!?

Send your contributions to info@wishboneday.com

Wishbone Day 2012 Promo Video

2011-07-23T13:55:00.004+10:00

Be part of the Wishbone Day 2012 promo video by sending us your 10 second video clip! See Alexi with a great example.

Your clip should be no longer than 10 seconds!

Only use the script:

(Why is Wishbone Day important? Because awareness makes a difference!)

The rest is up to you. Do it by yourself or get family and friends to help! and don't forget to show some yellow :-)

Send your clip to info@wishboneday.com no later than 30 November 2011

If you missed the promo video for 2011 ... check it out here.

Wishbone Day Celebration 2011

2011-05-25T23:09:00.002+10:00

Wishbone Day 2011 was our second international awareness day for Osteogenesis Imperfecta and has been celebrated in communities across the world. Wishbone Day 2011 is the largest community awareness day ever to raise awareness for OI worldwide.

We'd like to thank all those people who wore their yellow on Wishbone Day and for the overwhelming enthusiasm to support Wishbone Day to reach the world. Watch the video to see how Wishbone Day was celebrated this year.

Plans are already well underway for Wishbone Day 2012! So be prepared for an even bigger celebration next year!!

Fireworks re-launch

2011-05-23T18:37:00.000+10:00

We have re-launched the Wishbone Day promo video and included a few new photos. If you didn't make 'the cut' don't be concerned.

The 2011 Wishbone Day celebration video is only days away! Stay tuned for its launch soon.