I was recently asked if I would be willing to support the International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Disease Awareness Day by photographing some of Melbourne's landmarks. They had been lit up in purple lights to draw attention to these diseases. This is an event that has been running for 3 years around the world, and is now beginning to take traction in Australia. I was more than happy to support such a great cause, especially as the date was only just after the relaxation of months of COVID-19 restrictions. That I would get to visit Melbourne City for the first time in months for such a good cause was really special for me.
My assignment was to capture AAMI Park and Birrung Marr, but I also snuck in a shot of 101 Collins too! To capture these shots, I parked near AAMI park and zipper around on my Segway ES4 electric scooter, which was SO convenient and quick while scouting for shooting locations.
Tuesday, 20 October 2020, was the third annual International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day.
This year in support of International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day, The Australasian Mastocytosis Society (TAMS) has launched their first annual #SpotOurSpots campaign.
As part of the #SpotOurSpots campaign TAMS has partnered with landmarks and venues across Australia lit up purple, (the international colour for Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) to raise awareness of Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases - a broad family of diseases that can be life threatening and very often severely debilitating.
The #SpotOurSpots campaign and Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of the need for more accurate diagnostics, better treatments, and further investments in research as well as build hope for mast cell disease patients all over Australia in dreaming for a brighter, healthier future.
Visit www.mastocytosis.org.au to find out more about Mast Cell Diseases or to make a donation to TAM
