How Grey's Anatomy got 22q Deletion Syndrome Wrong... AGAIN!
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OPEN LETTER TO GREY'S ANATOMY WRITERS, ABC, & SHONDA RHIMES
Dear ABC, Shonda Rhimes and Grey's Anatomy Writers
We are horrified by the cavalier and offensive comments regarding 22q11.2 Deletion on the February 5th episode of Grey’s Anatomy titled, "The Bed's Too Big Without You".
It isn't just the fact the Grey's Anatomy writers so dismissively insinuated that 22q11.2 Deletion is a death sentence. The truth is that you are habitual offenders of passing inaccurate information about 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Last night was the second time that your show has negatively impacted our ongoing fight for accurate information and greater public awareness of 22q11.2 Deletion (aka; DiGeorge Syndrome, or Velo-cardio Facial Syndrome). Simply put, your dialogue was hurtful to the parents of children born with 22q as well as the adults diagnosed with this syndrome.
Grey's Anatomy Excerpt: Two doctors are reviewing patient charts. First doctor says "This Mom's been pregnant 3 times, the first two were stillborn."
Second doctor replies "Well, this one will be too. 22q11 deletion.... She should just adopt" You should all be ashamed of this suggested course of action. Especially because you clearly don’t know or understand the facts or diagnosis.
We are aware that these are scripted words spoken by people pretending to be doctors. Truth be told, your award winning program has the power to elevate causes like ours to the forefront. Unfortunately, your show is a two-time offender where our 22q Cause is concerned. It was only two years ago that Grey's Anatomy misquoted the incidence rate of 22q11.2 Deletion as 1 in 100,000. The fact – Actual incidence rate is approximately 1 in 4,000.
Facts about 22q11.2 (aka; DiGeorge Syndrome or VCFS) are readily available, if you are willing to research and disseminate accurate information. Stating them incorrectly is counterproductive to the community we serve and demonstrates a total disregard for your craft. We would appreciate an immediate retraction – at a minimum, do your research. Better yet, a 30-second PSA would do more good than you may realize. Are you up for the challenge? Please take 15 seconds and SIGN THE PETITION HERE.
Respectfully,
Ryan Dempster
President and Founder -The Dempster Family Foundation World Series ChampionSpecial Assistant -Chicago Cubs Analyst -MLB NetworkSIGN THE PETITION HERE
What to do on Facebook
Step 1: Cut and paste the message below on the Grey's Anatomy ABC Television Network ABC Family ABC News Shonda Rhimes Geena Davis Good Morning America The Ellen Show Facebook pages and tage them by adding the @symbol in front of their page in your comments.Step 2: Post your comments and share photos on our Facebook page! We are sharing them all on the Grey's Anatomy and ABC Network pages directly from our page.Step 3: Consider making a sign and taking a photo of yourself, your child or your whole family... Show them what 22q11.2 really looks like.
What to do on Twitter:
Step 1: Follow @RyanDempsterFDNStep 2 : Cut & Paste this on your Twitter feed - I'm with @RyanDempsterFDN http://ht.ly/ICnPu #greysgotitwrong #22qkidsareworthit #weloveour22qkids #22qAwareness #22qGoogleit @GreysABC @ABCNetwork @shondarhimes @Geena_Davis Step 3: Dont forget to use these hashtags! #greysgotitwrong #shameonshonda #Shameongreys #22qkidsareworthit #weloveour22qkids #22qAwareness #22qGoogleitWhere to send emails:
Step 1: Cut & Paste the message at the top of this pasge into your emails and let them know that 22q Dad, Ryan Dempster is happy to speak with any media outlets to set the facts straight about 22q11.2DSStep 2: ABC Feedback The Ellen Show The Today Show etc....Share These 22q11.2 info Pages Everywhere and Tag Grey's Anatomy ABC Television Network ABC Family ABC News Shonda Rhimes Geena Davis Good Morning America The Ellen Show on Facebook. Tag @GreysABC @ABCNetwork @shondarhimes @Geena_Davis on Twitter.
Keep the pressure up.... don't stop posting, sharing and emailing. This is a genuine shot to set the record straight about 22q11.2DS. You know what they say... the squeaky wheel gets the oil! We are happy to take any media questions or interview opportunities.
Please feel free to share our email info@dempsterfoundation.org or our phone# (312) 415-9846
