Horizon Therapeutics Launches Letter-Writing Campaign to Empower Those Living with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) to Confront the Condition Head On
For Mental Health Awareness Month and Healthy Vision Month in May, Horizon Therapeutics is partnering with mental health expert and New York Times best-selling author, Lori Gottlieb, to highlight the emotional burden of living with TED—a serious, progressive, and potentially vision-threatening rare autoimmune condition.1
The campaign encourages people living with TED to write a “Dear TED” letter directly to their disease about the effects it has had and how they are taking back control of their health and getting the care they need.
“Living with a rare or chronic disease is a very personal experience that can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming,” said Ms. Gottlieb. “Sharing this experience in an open letter to your disease is not only therapeutic, but it can help others to feel less alone and inspired to speak up about their own symptoms and seek care sooner.”
TED is a chronic, or lifelong, disease that can cause vision impairment, making day-to-day activities such as walking, driving and working challenging. Symptoms like eye bulging, redness and double vision can cause some people to no longer look like themselves, resulting in feelings of self-consciousness.2,3 Consequently, people living with TED may stay home more often, which can impact connections with friends and family. In fact, nearly half of patients with TED (42%) were found to experience anxiety and/or depression, based on a 2021 quality of life assessment survey.9
“Writing a ‘Dear TED’ letter was so liberating because I realized I’m stronger and more confident than I ever gave myself credit for,” said Gail S., who lives with TED. “My relationship with TED hasn’t been easy, but because of what I’ve been through, I take pride in everything I’ve accomplished. I hope that sharing my ‘Dear TED’ letter can be a source of support for others and inspire them to do the same.”
The “Dear TED” campaign features educational resources to help those living with or at risk for TED, including:
- New Listen to Your Eyes podcast episodes sharing tips from experts on dealing with both the mental and physical toll of living with a chronic condition
- Videos and personal stories from others living with TED on the Listen to Your Eyes Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels
- Thought starters and letter writing tips for people ready to take back control of their health, starting with writing their own “Dear TED” letter
While TED can feel overwhelming and defeating at times, there are steps people living with or at risk for TED can take to best manage the condition. It is important to monitor eye symptoms and take weekly pictures to capture any changes in appearance. At the first sign of change, find a TED Eye Specialist and make an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, given the progressive nature of the disease. Being your own advocate by asking questions and seeking a second opinion can help lead to the best outcomes.
To submit a “Dear TED” letter, visit DearTEDLetters.com.