Wishbone Day is coming. Get your yellow on!

I wonder what creative spirit will soar for Wishbone Day 2015?

For Wishbone Day 2014 Maleah spread the word on Wishbone Day and OI awareness by creating this terrific video about her life with OI.  Maleah reached audiences worldwide and her video has now been translated into multiple languages!

If you haven't seen it (or even if you have!) you should really watch it.  Here it is ...

Watching Maleah and her video today started us thinking ... I wonder what creative spirit will soar for Wishbone Day 2015?

Take the Wishbone Day challenge! Be creative. Be clever. Be heard.

#WishboneDay #NoFundraising because #AwarenessMakesADifference

Me, Myself and OI

We asked you to share your Wishbone Day, your way. This is a fantastic example. 
Maleah asks us to spread the word and share the clip. Let's do it! Share it at school, at work or at home. Because awareness makes a difference.

All Yellow Wishbone Day roads should lead to home

We're excited to see so much Wishbone Day awareness creeping across the world to raise awareness for OI ... Wishbone Day is only a couple of weeks away and this year is guaranteed to be the biggest yet!  

You can help to grow it even bigger. Keep your message simple and clear - and remember to always link your Wishbone Day messages back to Wishbone Day www.wishboneday.com/

Linking back to Wishbone Day will help us to grow a strong and united community across the world, ensure that people everywhere know how to find us and will keep Wishbone Day moving in the right direction.  

All Yellow Wishbone Day roads should lead back home

www.wishboneday.com

Tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest using @WishboneDay or #WishboneDay. 

Remember if you are using the Wishbone Day logo to check out our image conditions of use.   

You'll also find a list of OI associations around the world for more support.

Got questions? hit up the comments section below and I'll make sure I respond asap!

Happy Wishbone Day!

Your Wishbone Day. Your Way!

Let your Wishbone Day spirit soar.  Celebrate your Wishbone Day your way!

Wishbone Day resources

The spirit of Wishbone Day

There is a growing Wishbone Day buzz in the air!  Individuals and groups worldwide are beginning to plan special events and contributions to this global awareness effort.  We thought now was a good time to share how Wishbone Day started and what it stands for.  

Why not drop us a line and let us know what you have planned for Wishbone Day 2014.  Join us on Facebook, twitter, or pinterest for more updates.


[Transcript]
What is Wishbone Day?

Wishbone Day is an international community awareness effort to raise awareness of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) otherwise known as brittle bones.

[Jo Ragen - Founder of Wishbone Day] Wishbone Day started in 2008.  The OI Society of Australia had a conference and it was really interested in trying to get members engaged in different ways. To look at new ways of getting people to engaged with the society but also to figure out what people wanted from a network of people.  I was invited to do a session on ‘what was possible’ just to get some ideas really.  It wasn't really to do anything other than to get ideas and to figure out what people wanted. As a result of that session we had lots of suggestions [from all the groups] about how to move forward.  The suggestions that came up was that there needed to be more awareness around OI.

[Sharon and Allan Sparkl - parents of Hayley who has OI]  
[Sharon Sparkl] It's close to our heart. At the OI conference back in 2008, Jo did a brain storming session of what we would like to see in a perfect world and, how we can get OI out into the world.  Our little group ...

[Allan Sparkl] We probably had 1/2 dozen in our little group, and everyone just threw a few ideas backwards and forwards, and I guess we [all the groups] came up with more awareness and getting it out there. 

[Sharon Sparkl] We decided that there needed to be more awareness of what OI is.

[Allan Sparkl] There are a lot of other weeks out there with awareness.  Like national breast cancer week and there is jeans for genes day and walk to work day and all that kind of thing so, why not us? Why can’t we organise something that had a little bit of spotlight on Osteogenesis Imperfecta and the people that are living with that?

[Sharon Sparkl] We needed a catch phrase.  We needed something catchy and we [the groups] thought Wishbone Day was the perfect one to go with. And then we left, and we felt on a high. We were really inspired by it.  And then the next thing, Jo loved the idea and she has just taken the ball and kept it rolling.

[Allan Sparkl] Yes, it started off as a pretty casual suggestion. And everyone just threw in a couple of little ideas and stuff to go with that, and it just grew legs and it just snowballed.  When Jo came back and said 'we’ve got something here and we can really run with it', it just felt so satisfying.

[Jo Ragen]  When you ask people to engage with Wishbone Day, the first response if they haven't heard of it before is, ‘how much money do you want?’

Wishbone Day is not a fundraising event …

[Jo Ragen] So if you are creating opportunities for people to make different choices about how they engage with OI [through Wishbone Day it will be OI] they do stop and they think, well what have I got to contribute? And most people want to contribute. But as a world, as a society, we have created these easy options were you can throw a couple of bucks [dollars] into a bucket and you can go away feeling good. But actually, you haven’t done much to change peoples attitudes.  

By taking out the fundraising, what it actually does is have people stop and say ‘well what is it that you need?’  And what we want is to be accepted and to be valued members of our community.  So when they don’t have the option to give money they then say, well what is it?  They will spend more time learning what Wishbone Day is about, what it means to live a life with OI and who is the person that they are supporting.

[Jodie Owen]  It’s taken off so much. All around the world. Some people just go crazy and all-out to celebrate.  They paint their fingernails and everything. It’s such a great and positive thing to see. 

[Andrew Longhurst]  What I like about it is that it’s not about getting money or raising money. Its about awareness.  And I am all for that.

[Julie Stonestreet]  Wishbone Day is such an important day for us because it is a day when we can come together and really really celebrate how fabulous all our OI family are. We love love having Wishbone Day.

[Jo Ragen]  Its about recognising people for who they are, just as they are.  How can we own that?  How can one person own that? 

Wishbone Day is not an organisation.  It is an awareness day.  Everyone owns a piece of it. So when you celebrate it, when you take it on in your community it becomes part of your community. It becomes part of the make up of everyone who is involved.

[Fiona Winters]  Wishbone Day means to me a day of happiness and awareness for OI.  I have had OI all my life and now I have been blessed with three beautiful children and I never thought that would happen.  But with, advances in technology and people being aware of it, it makes life a lot easier.

[Melinda Montgomery]  I think for me because it is an awareness thing, I am big on educating people and dispelling all those terrible myths that there are about having osteogenesis imperfecta.  I think growing up as a child everyone was quite scared of me and there is no need to be. So, I think it is this, bringing that positive education that we can have a life just like anybody else.

[Jo Ragen]  The way that awareness days are normally put out into the world is about raising money for a cure. Wishbone Day is about recognising and respecting people for who they are, just as they are.

Through positive awareness we can highlight the need for better access, greater understanding and acceptance and how communities can make a difference through their actions and decisions.

[Children with OI]  Why is Wishbone Day Important?  Because awareness makes a difference!

For more information visit www.wishboneday.com

Wishy in Florida

Wishy arrived in sunny Orlando, FL on 24th December, 2013.

This day Wishy attended a Christmas Eve service and then was excited to visit a family gathering where he met the Cressman family, his hosts for the next couple of weeks.  Stay tuned for more Wishy adventures while in Florida!

Happy Holidays!

You're invited! 6th May, 2014. Because awareness makes a difference!

5 year old Mya is excited for Wishbone Day 2013

With less than 12 weeks until Wishbone Day 2013, Mya is planning her very own Wishbone Day celebration with her big brother Nigel. The last we heard she was working toward a Wishbone Day party, with lots of yellow and some good friends.  We can't wait to hear how her plans unfold as she organises her very yellow and fun day of awareness.  Way to go Mya!

How will you celebrate and raise awareness on Wishbone Day this year? Remember the focus is awareness - its not about the money ;-). What creative, fun and innovative ways will you use to change perceptions, attitudes, and understandings? The challenge is on! 

Let us know what you have planned for Wishbone Day 2013 by leaving a comment below.

Doing a "Wishy"

We've spotted our supporters doing there best 
"Wishy" 

We've spotted our supporters doing a "Wishy". Send us your Wishy pose to info@wishboneday.com. www.wishboneday.com/2012/06/weve-spotted-our-supporters-doing-wishy.html
Posted by Wishbone Day on Monday, 11 June 2012

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Wishy is our world famous Wishbone Day mascot.  Wishy is cheerful and happy,  jumping for joy,  hands in the air and always ready to celebrate achievements big and small.

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Share your best "Wishy" pose

Send your pictures to info@wishboneday.com or tag Wishbone Day in your public photo on our Facebook page

Guess who arrived home today?

That's right!  WISHY

Wishy arrived home today from his big around the world trip!

Look how far he travelled!  You can read about Wishy's Big Adventure here.

He left Sydney on Wishbone Day 6th May 2011.  His plan was to travel and see as many new friends as possible and to be back in Sydney to celebrate Wishbone Day Sydney 2012.  Way to go Wishy!!  

He made it home just in time!!!!  

While he was away he met so many fantastic friends, attended conferences, met professional, kids, parents and staff.  He visited clinics, homes, hospitals and special events.  

He arrived home safe but very very tired!

Wishy wants to thank all his generous hosts for helping him travel between places, giving him somewhere safe to sleep and keeping him busy during those awesome trips.  

He cant wait to begin the next part of the travel plan because there are still so many places and people he wants to meet.

Wishy will leave Sydney again soon to attend the OIF Conference in Washington DC, so if you're there keep an eye out for him! After the conference he will head straight to the Philippines. 

If you'd like to host Wishy where you live or have an event you'd like him to attend, please drop us a note so we can add it to his itinerary!

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ATTENTION:

want to meet Wishy?

SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE

Wishy will make a special guest appearance at the Wishbone Day 2012 Sydney celebration at Darling Harbour this Sunday!   

12- 3pm

 Darling Quarter.  Darling Harbour, Sydney

  

Next stop, Brazil

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

What's possible?

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!!

Viva Quito!

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

Wishy in the Netherlands

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!

ACHOO from Europe!

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

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!!

Adventure in Europe

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!

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!

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