banner for Blue Jean DayJackson County Campus employees go casual for National Genetic and Rare Diseases Day

Employees and students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus are prepared to get casual for a cause on “Wear That You Care/Wear Blue Jeans Day” set for Thursday, February 28, which is National Genetic and Rare Disease Day.

Jackson County Campus employees who purchase a blue denim awareness ribbon for $1 from the campus Circle K International Club may wear blue jeans, along with their ribbon, on Thursday in honor of the special day.  Students are also invited to participate in purchasing and wearing ribbons.  People may donate more than $1, if they choose.

“We wanted to find a fun way to participate in this important day,” said Phelecia Langford-Purnell, coordinator of the event at the campus and administrative assistant to the dean of Student Services at the Jackson County Campus. “Almost 350 million people are affected by rare diseases globally. Researchers are doing all that they can to find treatments and cures, but funding is vital to the process.  The blue denim genes ribbon is a symbol of hope for these individuals and their communities. It shows those suffering from these disorders that we are aware of their plight and that we care.”

The funds raised during the event will benefit Willow Cannan of Ocean Springs who is fighting Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD). Her mother, Amber Olsen, is making national news for her fight to find a cure, and she visits the Jackson County Campus every semester to speak to biology students.  She encourages them to major in STEM-related fields so they can support the fight to find cures for genetic diseases.

“Treatment is close but lacks funding, which is why we wanted to hold this fundraiser,” said Langford-Purnell. “We want to encourage everyone to participate in the fun event and give more.  The $1 donation is certainly not the limit.  We invite everyone, students and employees, to give as much as they can.”

 

 

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