Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day – Jul. 25, 2026

Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day
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ChildrenHealth
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International
Date change rule:
Last Saturday of July
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🎗️

Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day is observed every last Saturday in July. This day shines a light on Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, a childhood hip disorder impacting bone health. Join the global paddling event, learn about the condition, and support research for affected children.

Want to sponsor Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day? Learn how

Expected Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day Deals

As a Cause holiday, Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day focuses on fundraising and community support rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Perthes Kids Foundation and International Perthes Study Group often coordinate donation drives, virtual events, and merchandise sales to fund research and support families. Look for local paddling events that may include charity auctions or direct donation opportunities. Many medical supply companies might offer discounts on adaptive equipment or therapy tools. We encourage direct donations to reputable foundations. We will update this page with confirmed live fundraising events as July 25 approaches.

Platform Guide for Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PerthesAwareness. Share photos or videos of your paddling activities, or post educational infographics about Perthes disease.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #PaddleForPerthes. Share facts, personal stories, or links to donation pages to spread awareness quickly.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PerthesDiseaseAwareness. Create a community event for a local paddle, or share fundraising links with your network.

Social Media Tips for Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day

Individuals

Organize a small paddling trip with friends or family, or simply share information about Perthes disease on your social media to educate others.

Creators

Produce a short documentary or explainer video about Perthes disease, interviewing affected families or medical professionals to highlight the cause.

Brands

Sponsor a local paddling event, donate a portion of sales to a Perthes research foundation, or launch an awareness campaign across your channels.

Organizations & Brands for Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day

  1. Perthes Kids Foundation

    Founded in 2011, this non-profit organization is dedicated to supporting children and families affected by Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease. They provide education, resources, and advocacy, fostering a strong community for those impacted by the condition.

  2. International Perthes Study Group (IPSG)

    The IPSG is a collaborative group of medical professionals and researchers focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of Perthes disease. They conduct studies and share findings to improve patient outcomes globally.

  3. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

    Established in 1855, CHOP is a leading children's hospital known for its orthopedic department, which specializes in treating complex pediatric bone and joint conditions, including Perthes disease, through advanced research and care.

  4. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

    Founded by Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude is renowned for its pioneering research and treatment of childhood diseases. While primarily known for cancer, their broader mission supports children's health, including orthopedic challenges.

  5. Confluence Kayaks

    A prominent retailer of kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, Confluence Kayaks supports outdoor water activities. They can promote inclusive paddling events for Perthes awareness, aligning with the day's core activity.

  6. REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)

    Founded in 1938, REI is a national outdoor retail co-op offering gear for camping, hiking, and water sports. They could support Perthes awareness by highlighting adaptive outdoor equipment or sponsoring inclusive events.

  7. Hanger Clinic

    Founded in 1861, Hanger Clinic is a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic solutions. Their expertise in mobility devices and rehabilitation makes them a relevant partner for supporting children with hip disorders like Perthes disease.

Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day Hero

Dr. Arthur T. Legg

Dr. Arthur T. Legg (1874-1939) was an American orthopedic surgeon who, along with Jacques Calvé and Georg Perthes, independently described the childhood hip disorder that now bears their names. His early work in Boston was crucial in recognizing and characterizing the condition, paving the way for further research and treatment advancements. Legg's contributions helped establish a foundational understanding of the disease's pathology and clinical presentation.

History of Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day

Perthes disease is one of the most common hip disorders in young children, occurring in roughly 5.5 of 100,000 children per year. The lifetime risk of a child developing the disease is about one per 1,200 individuals. Boys are affected about three to five times more often than girls.

New cases of Perthes’ disease rarely occur after the age of 14 years. White northern Europeans appear to be affected more frequently than other ethnicities, though a paucity of reliable epidemiology exists in the Southern Hemisphere.

In 1897, Karel Maydl first described the disease and in 1909 personal research was carried out by Henning Waldenström and he identified the disease, attributing it to tuberculosis. However, in 1910, the disease was recognized as being unrelated to tuberculosis by three physicians working independently. Legg–Calvé–Perthes is named after these three doctors: Arthur Legg, Jacques Calvé, and Georg Perthes.

The first and original event Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day was posted via Twitter and Facebook in 2010. Despite no events being organized, the occasion was still remembered.
In the U.K. in 2016, a nationwide study began collecting details of every case of Perthes’ disease as part of the British Orthopedic Surgery Surveillance Study. This aims to get core information about the disease, before starting extensive clinical trials about the best forms of treatment.

Every hospital in England, Scotland, and Wales which treats Perthes’ disease is collecting details of new cases. The study is nationally approved by the U.K. ethics committee and N.H.S. research approval teams in England, Scotland, and Wales. The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and the Alder Hey Charity.

Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day timeline

1897
Karel Maydl Identifies the Disease

A physician named Karel Maydl working on one of the cases identifies Perthes' disease.

1909
Henning Waldenström Attributes the Disease to Tuberculosis

A physician named Henning Waldenström likens the disease to tuberculosis.

1910
Three Doctors Identify Perthes Disease

Three physicians, namely Arthur Legg, Jacques Calvé, and Georg Perthes, working independently, identify that the disease is unrelated to tuberculosis.

2010
The First Event is Held

The first Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day event is celebrated.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day

Local businesses can authentically support Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day by hosting or sponsoring community paddling events, ensuring accessibility for all participants. Water sports retailers could offer special discounts on adaptive equipment or donate a portion of sales to Perthes research foundations. Physical therapy clinics might provide free consultations or workshops on hip health and rehabilitation. Restaurants could feature a special ‘Paddle for Perthes’ menu item, donating proceeds to a relevant charity. Raising awareness through in-store signage and social media campaigns is also vital.

Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day FAQs

When is Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day?

Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day 2026 falls on Saturday, July 25. This annual observance highlights a critical childhood hip disorder.

How common is Perthes disease?

Perthes disease is relatively rare, affecting approximately 1 in 1,200 to 1 in 10,000 children worldwide. Boys are affected more often than girls, typically between the ages of 4 and 10.

What causes Perthes disease?

Perthes disease is caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint). Without sufficient blood, the bone tissue dies, leading to a breakdown and potential deformity.

How is Perthes disease treated?

Treatment for Perthes disease focuses on maintaining the spherical shape of the femoral head and preventing further damage. This often involves physical therapy, bracing, crutches, or in some cases, surgery to improve hip containment.

How to Observe Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day

  1. Join a Perthes Disease fundraising event

    Join a Perthes Disease Fundraising group to raise money to support people affected by the disease. Only speaking about Perthes will not generate the level of support needed to care for people living with the disease. Every money you raise will go a long way in funding therapies, physical and mental health support, training, and research.

  2. Help create awareness about Perthes Disease

    You can change the attitude of the public towards people suffering from Perthes by creating awareness. Sharing useful information about Perthes on podcasts, social media, and news publications is a great way to sensitize the general public and draw their attention to the existence of Perthes.

  3. Visit Patients Suffering from Perthes Disease

    Show compassion and care for the sick by visiting them in the hospital. A visit can go a long way in making the patient happy, and improving their health. Sometimes, what they need is just someone to talk to and who understands how they feel.

5 Facts About Perthes Disease

  1. One in every 1,200 people has it

    Perthes' Disease affects children between the ages of three and 11 years in one person out of every 1,200 people.

  2. Most children recover from Perthes Disease

    Most children recover from Perthes disease, but it can take two or more years for the bone to regrow and return to normal.

  3. Children with Perthes Disease avoid high-impact activities

    Children with Perthes Disease are advised to avoid high-impact activities, like running and jumping until the hip joint heals completely.

  4. It isn’t caused by genetic factors

    The cause of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease is yet unknown.

  5. Perthes Disease can also occur in adults

    Although the disease is common in children, adults are also affected in some cases.

Why Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day is Important

  1. It’s an opportunity to create awareness of Perthes Disease

    Paddle For Perthes Disease Awareness day is a once-in-a-year opportunity to join others in raising awareness about Perthes disease. Since Perthes can be treated, it’s an occasion to raise the much-needed funds to support people living with the disease.

  2. It can change the attitude of the public towards Perthes Disease

    We get to join virtual and real-life campaigns working towards making the public sensitive to the suffering of people living with Perthes. We are also able to help patients and their relatives reach more people affected by the condition.

  3. It motivates and provides funds for Perthes Disease treatment and research

    By taking part in fundraising events, we draw the attention of the public toward Perthes Disease and raise funds for the research and treatment of the condition. During these events, we also collect and distribute information on Perthes Disease.

Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 July 25 Saturday
2027 July 31 Saturday
2028 July 29 Saturday
2029 July 28 Saturday
2030 July 27 Saturday