A Special Dedication on September 4th

We are deeply honored to introduce an initiative underscoring our unwavering commitment to raising awareness about rare medical conditions. ChiRhoClin, Inc. is establishing Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Awareness Day, to be observed annually on September 4th. This significant date commemorates the shared birthday of the pioneering gastrointestinal surgeons Robert Zollinger and Edwin H. Ellison. Their groundbreaking contributions, coupled with the courage and resilience of those living with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, have inspired us to dedicate this day to honor their legacy and strengthen awareness of this challenging condition.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES) is a rare condition that affects the pancreas and duodenum, leading to the formation of tumors known as gastrinomas. These tumors cause an overproduction of the hormone gastrin, resulting in excessive stomach acid and severe gastrointestinal distress.¹ Luckily, not all gastrinomas are cancerous and some may not need to be removed, if they are small enough. Those without liver metastasis and those who are treated successfully with surgery and/or chemotherapy have a remarkably high survival rate, making early diagnosis crucial for the patient and their loved ones.² Due to its rarity, ZES often goes unrecognized, but with education and awareness, we can improve the odds of curing patients worldwide.

Through Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Awareness Day, we aim to:

1. Raise Awareness: Increase public knowledge about ZES, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis through educational material and social media outreach.

2. Support Research: Highlight the need for ongoing research to develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure. ChiRhoClin is partnering with top doctors and researchers to provide necessary resources and networks for ZES studies.

3. Honor the ZES Pioneers and Patients: Patients with this diagnosis may feel isolated with only up to 3 patients per million diagnosed each year.³ ChiRhoClin believes these people deserve all around hope, encouragement, appreciation, and – better yet – celebration. With an awareness day all their own, we hope to provide some much needed support during these difficult times. And what better day to do it than on the birthday of the surgeons who pioneered their treatments?

How You Can Participate

We invite everyone to join us in commemorating the first Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Awareness Day on September 4th. Here are some ways you can get involved:

– Wear Purple Zebra Stripes: Show your support by wearing Purple Zebra Stripes in honor of the doctors, researchers, and people dealing with Involved with involved with ZES.

– Share on Social Media: Use your social media profiles to share information about ZES, gastrinomas, and the significance of September 4^th. Use #ZESAwarenessDay to join the ongoing conversation and help build this community.

Other awareness days to keep on the calendar:

• November 10^th: World Neuroendocrine Tumor Cancer Day
• February 28^th/29^th: Rare Disease Day

We appreciate your steadfast support in this endeavor. Together, we are poised to make long-lasting, substantial impacts on the lives of those affected by Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome and other rare conditions.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn at ChiRhoClin, Inc. for updates on Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Awareness Day and other foundational news. For more information, to get involved, or to share your story of hope and persistence, please visit our website at www.chirhoclin.com or contact chirhoclin@chirhoclin.com

¹Mayo Clinic. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/zollinger-ellison-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20379042). Accessed 8/1/2024.

²Cleveland Clinic. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Outlook / Prognosis (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17960-zollinger-ellison-syndrome#outlook-prognosis). Accessed 8/1/2024.

³National Institute of Health. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/zollinger-ellison-syndrome). Accessed 8/1/2024