Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog

Give A Little, Change A Lot: The Power of Giving Tuesday

You’ve endured the whirlwind of Thanksgiving planning, the frenzy of Black Friday and the commotion of Cyber Monday! After spending time around the dinner table reflecting on what you’re thankful for, Giving Tuesday offers the opportunity to pause and transform your gratitude into action. Giving Tuesday, celebrated the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is a global movement that encourages people to contribute to the charitable organizations that largely influence their lives.

During this season of thankfulness, consider helping the RLS Foundation meet their goal of raising $10,000 by the end of this Giving Tuesday, December 3. The importance of this day extends beyond financial contributions – it’s about fueling hope, raising awareness, and investing in the future. Thanks to your support, the RLS Foundation has had a year filled with remarkable achievements. Let’s take a moment to reflect on these milestones and celebrate success.

Record-Breaking Research Funding

Part of the RLS Foundation’s mission is to fund critical research that aims to improve our understanding of RLS and develop more effective treatments. For the first time, the organization is funding four RLS research studies in the same year! This historic level of support is made possible by our dedicated members and a collaboration with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation (AASMF), which co-funded one of the grant awards. Each project aims to deepen our understanding of the genetic, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms of RLS. Learn more about each researcher and their study by clicking here.

Expanded Education and Awareness

Another crucial aspect of the RLS Foundation’s mission is enhanced education and awareness. Member support makes it possible to create and distribute valuable resources, organize awareness campaigns, and promote a better understanding of RLS among healthcare professionals. Resources include over 30 patient handouts, a monthly webinar series, a quarterly magazine NightWalkers, and a free physician education webinar series. All materials are reviewed periodically to ensure that you and your physician are receiving accurate information.

A Strong Support Network

For many with RLS, connecting with others who share similar experiences offers comfort. The RLS Foundation maintains weekly virtual support group meetings and an online Discussion Board that allow individuals from all corners of society to engage with each other. Support group leaders also host local in-person meetings while support contacts can be reached by email or phone. The RLS Foundation is thankful for the dedication of over 60 volunteers who make up our support network!

Impactful Advocacy

The RLS Foundation hosted its annual Hill Day event on September 9! RLS community members, expert physicians, and the organization’s staff and Board members united in Washington, DC to advocate for the needs of the RLS community by meeting with congressional representatives. With the incoming congressional appointments in 2025, there will be new representatives to engage with and educate on the community’s legislative priorities.

Community Empowerment

Though the RLS Foundation is a membership organization, it is dedicated to helping all who are affected by the disorder. Thanks to member support, we are able to provide scholarships to those who are challenged financially. The RLS Foundation is proud to ensure that no individual is denied access to crucial information and resources.

Thank You!

The importance of Giving Tuesday lies in its ability to inspire philanthropy and unity. By helping us reach our goal of raising $10,000 today, you will further our outreach related to RLS research, education and advocacy. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 3 and embrace the joy of giving! Give a little to change a lot.

Your Generosity Can Change Lives: The Power of Giving Tuesday

Among the busyness of the holiday season, don’t forget to pause and reflect on the friends, family and organizations that have positively impacted your 2023 year. Giving Tuesday, which is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is a global movement that encourages people to contribute to the charitable organizations that largely influence their lives. As you harness compassion and generosity during this season of giving, consider extending it to the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Foundation. Participating in Giving Tuesday at the RLS Foundation is an opportunity to make a difference and support those suffering from this often devastating disease.

The Impact of Giving Tuesday

Your participation in Giving Tuesday is essential for providing the means to fund critical research that aims to improve diagnosis methods, better our understanding of RLS, and develop more effective treatments. You become part of the solution to this complex medical challenge. Further, Giving Tuesday offers a unique opportunity to connect with the RLS community. People from all walks of life come together with a shared purpose – to support those living with RLS. You can become part of a supportive network that provides comfort and encouragement to individuals and families affected by RLS.

Education and Awareness

Another crucial aspect of the RLS Foundation’s mission is enhanced education and awareness. Through Giving Tuesday donations, the Foundation can create and distribute valuable resources, organize awareness campaigns, and promote a better understanding of RLS among healthcare professionals and the public. Our resources include over 30 patient handouts, a monthly webinar series, a quarterly magazine NightWalkers, and a free physician education webinar series. By participating in this annual event, you help dispel the misconceptions and stigmas often associated with the condition.

The Joy of Giving

Your participation in Giving Tuesday at the RLS Foundation extends far beyond just supporting a good cause; it’s also about experiencing the joy of giving. The act of contributing to something greater than oneself can be immensely fulfilling. Knowing that your donation, no matter how small, can make a difference in someone’s life is a powerful motivator and a source of personal satisfaction.

The importance of Giving Tuesday lies in its ability to inspire philanthropy and unity and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can collectively achieve as a community. Your participation will further our outreach related to RLS research, advocacy and education. So, mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 28, open your heart, and make a meaningful contribution this Giving Tuesday to help the RLS Foundation in its mission to improve the lives of countless individuals living with RLS.

Thank You from Our Executive Director

As we plan for the season of giving thanks and gathering with family and friends, I want to be the first to thank each of you for your loyal support to the RLS Foundation. Your gifts have allowed a once tiny organization of a committed group of volunteers to grow and become the voice of the RLS community for 25 years.

We value our relationship with you, and want you to know that the RLS Foundation is here when you need us. As a nonprofit organization, our priority is clear: to support and serve the RLS community. Through our network of resources, you can remain connected to people who care and can relate to your concerns.

• Our online Discussion Board and blog, as well as our social media outlets ( Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others) provide instant connection to others.
• Our staff is here to help you with a listening ear and informational materials, and can help identify RLS providers in your community and at certified RLS Quality Care Centers.
• Our network of volunteers are there to support you via phone or email, and through comforting and informational support group meetings.

On November 28, we hope you will join us on #GivingTuesday, the global celebration of giving. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization, and allows for us to provide integral resources to everyone suffering from this often-misunderstood disease. Your $35 each year directly strengthens our programs, including sponsoring research, producing educational events and materials, maintaining support groups, and providing assistance online.

Considering membership but haven't taken action? Know someone that would benefit from membership? Want to give the gift of membership to someone in need? Take action so we can reach our goal of 25 NEW Foundation members by the end of #GivingTuesday!

Your support makes a real difference in the lives of individuals living with RLS and their families.

Sincerely,

Karla Dzienkowski, RN, BSN

Executive Director