Jefferson County highlighting CRPS awareness

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Awareness of CRPS, a disease with no cure and little-to-no research, needs to be brought to the attention of medical professionals, according to sister of a long-time patient.

Jefferson County is doing its part.

On Thursday, county commissioners proclaimed Nov. 1 as Color the World Orange Day.

"There's no cure for it," Commissioner Thomas Graham said. 'It's a neurological disorder that causes pain in the nerves. The bones are more brittle, as well. So, on Nov. 1, we will light up the courthouse orange to bring attention to this horrible disease."

The courthouse will light up orange in awareness for CRPS/RSD, or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

"I would like to see more research being done, more awareness being brought," Daisy Lysch said. "Hopefully, doctors who are in medical school realize this is an actual condition that people can get from a paper cut, from a strain, from a broken bone."

Last year, 65 buildings, bridges, and landmarks in eight countries were lit for Color the World Orange, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Lysch told the story of her sister, who was diagnosed with the disease and why she spreads awareness for the cause.

"This means the world to my family,, my sister and everyone else that has CRPS" Lysch said. "Just brining awareness and letting people know that this is out there."

It’s the 8th annual recognition of the day, and organizers are asking for people to wear orange and use the hashtag #CRPS Orange Day.

All funds raised for the organization go to research for a cure.