Throughout the month of October, Caffe Ladro’s 13 Puget Sound locations (including Fremont) will raise awareness – in conjunction with Seattle Children’s Hospital and Little People of America’s (L.P.A.) Puget Sound chapter – on dwarfism, also known as skeletal dysplasia. For National Dwarfism Awareness Month, Caffe Ladro has shrunk its distinctive ‘tall man’ logo on its cups.
Caffe Ladro’s signature man in coat and hat will be accompanied by the phrase ‘Stand Tall for Little People,’ and will direct viewers to a website to learn about the campaign, read facts about dwarfism, and find out way to help make a big difference in the lives of little people.
One in every 15,000 children is born with skeletal dysplasia, and 80% of those children have average-height parents and siblings. There are genetic causes for skeletal dysplasia, which is a condition resulting when bones are not able to grow to average length. Seattle Children’s Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic has received recognition as one of the leading institutions providing comprehensive care for people of all ages diagnosed with skeletal dysplasia and other rare bone conditions.
“Having one of the largest skeletal dysplasia programs in the region comes with a great responsibility to not only provide expertise and comprehensive care for patients, but to also support the broader dwarfism community, by raising awareness and educating the general public,” said Michael J. Goldberg, MD and chief of Seattle Children’s Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic. National, non-profit LPA first had October declared National Dwarfism Awareness Month in 2010, and together with representatives from Seattle Children’s, LPA of Puget Sound approached Caffe Ladro about participating in the Stand Tall for Little People campaign.
“By reducing the size of our logo, Caffe Ladro can increase the awareness of this important issue,” said Jack Kelly, owner of Caffe Ladro. “No matter where you buy your tall drink, we hope you’ll stand tall for little people during October.”
“The public often times has a knowledge gap when it comes to the issues that people with skeletal dysplasia face on a daily basis,” said Julie Matsuoka, president of LPA’s Puget Sound chapter. “At LPA, we hope to bring solutions and raise awareness to the issues affecting people with dwarfism and their families.” Founded in 1957, LPA is the only dwarfism support organization providing social interaction, parent and peer support, medical support and education, scholarships and grants. Currently, LPA has more than 6,000 members worldwide with 14 districts and 70 chapters all dedicated to providing support and raising awareness for the dwarfism community.
Stop by the Fremont Caffe Ladro to check out the limited-time-only cups, support the campaign and find out more on the website.