Preparing for Feeding Tube Awareness Week
Feeding Tube Awareness Week (FTAW) is an annual event held in February to educate, advocate, and support individuals who rely on tube feeding, also known as enteral feeding. Celebrated globally at the beginning of the month, this week serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about feeding tubes, their necessity, and the individuals who depend on them. With hundreds of medical conditions necessitating tube feeding, FTAW plays a key role in destigmatizing this medical intervention and promoting greater acceptance.
During #FeedingTubeAwarenessWeek, individuals, families, and healthcare professionals come together to share personal experiences, provide educational resources, and highlight both the challenges and triumphs of tube-fed individuals and their families. By amplifying these voices, FTAW fosters understanding, reduces stigma, and ensures that those who rely on feeding tubes feel seen, supported, and empowered.
What Are Feeding Tubes?
Feeding Tubes are a medical device that provides food if a person is unable to consume adequate nutrition through oral eating. Tube feeding can be the sole source of nutrition or used in addition to oral eating. This method may be used when a patient has difficulty swallowing, and altered mental status, or a chronic illness that makes eating a challenge.
There are hundreds of health conditions that require feeding tubes, and people of all ages may need them. Whether a feeding tube is a short- or long-term care solution depends on the person’s specific medical condition, progress, and circumstances.
Ways to Get Involved
Attend Educational Events
One of the best ways to spread awareness is through education. Many organizations, such as the Oley Foundation, host events to provide valuable insights and resources about tube feeding.
Join webinars, workshops, or local meetups to connect with medical professionals and individuals with lived experiences.
Advocate for tube-feeding education in schools and workplaces to foster inclusivity and understanding.
Attend or organize Q&A sessions where people can learn and ask questions about tube feeding.
You can host educational seminars for friends and members of your community or attend seminars to learn about advancements and other people's stories.
Show Your Support with Colors
A simple but impactful way to participate is by wearing purple and blue, the colors representing Feeding Tube Awareness Week.
Organize a themed dress-up day at school, work, or within your community.
Share outfit inspiration on social media and encourage others to wear purple and blue.
Create tube-feeding awareness wristbands, pins, or ribbons to show solidarity.
Get Vocal on Social Media and in Your Community
Thanks to digital media, spreading awareness has never been easier! Sharing your experiences and knowledge online, through social media, and blogs can make a real difference. You're reaching a wider audience than ever imagined before. This audience may just be people who want to learn more, or people going through similar journeys with feeding tubes who find comfort and support in your experiences.
Join online communities like TubieTalk to connect with others who understand the tube-feeding journey.
Use social media to educate by sharing infographics, personal stories, and statistics.
Inspire and inform others by posting about common misconceptions, tube-feeding facts, or even daily life as a tube-fed individual or caregiver.
Engage with hashtags like #FeedingTubeAwarenessWeek
Download the graphics below to share on social media during FTAW or use them as inspiration to create your own!
Share Your Story
Personal stories have a powerful impact and help others feel seen and supported. Whether your tube-fed yourself, a parent, or a healthcare professional, sharing your journey can inspire and educate.
Write a blog post, social media update, or article about your experiences.
Include tips, challenges, and triumphs to connect with others in the community.
Consider creating a video to showcase what daily life with a feeding tube looks like.
Testimonials from our Tube Feeding Community
“Noah had a heart transplant in June 2023 when he was 11 months old. He was in the hospital for the first 11 months and didn't have the energy to eat. The G tube has helped him be able to get the nourishment he needs.”
“Kamden was born with Down Syndrome and unable to eat on his own. Shortly after his birth he got his new best friend, his mickey button, g-tube which was a life changer! Tube feeding has improved our lives in so many ways, the main one being that Kamden can now consume the nutrients he needs in order to grow big and strong despite his feeding challenges.”
“As a mom, tube feeding means a mix of emotions, responsibilities, and experiences. It represents a way ensuring my child gets the nutrition they need to grow and thrive, even when eating by mouth isn't possible or safe. It also signifies strength and determination as I navigate the medical world, learn new skills, and advocate for my child's needs.”
“Penelope’s inability to feed by mouth is due to a brain injury that occurred at birth. It’s my daughter’s only source of LIFE and the medicine she needs to feel great every day! Without her G tube, she would’ve never been able to live the happy, joyful life she lives today”
“Oaklyn was born with hydrocephalus, which causes an array or medical complications. It was extremely difficult getting Oaklyn to take seizure meds, and all other meds, she was still using a bottle at 3, and it was nearly impossible to get her to eat. I was terrified of her getting her tube at first, but it has been such a life saver. We don’t have to worry about her getting meds, or her proper nutrients. I am extremely grateful for modern medicine! We wouldn’t be here without her tube!”
Stay tuned for more amazing testimonials we will be sharing on our social media during Feeding Tube Awareness Week.
Just because Feeding Tube Awareness week is in February, doesn’t mean we should stop spreading awareness and celebrating feeding tubes after that week is over. We should be spreading awareness year-round. No matter how you choose to participate, every effort—big or small—helps make a difference. By raising awareness, educating others, and fostering a supportive community, we can continue to break down stigmas and ensure that tube-fed individuals feel understood, accepted, and empowered.