Colored ribbons have become a common way of commemorating various different diseases and we wanted to take that same principle of iconic branding to create a unique idea for RSV awareness. Drawing on that inspiration, a pair of delicately knitted lungs was born as the visual centerpiece of the Protect Little Lungs campaign. Knitting is symbolic of what families do to prepare for arrival of new babies and to make sure they are safe, warm, and protected from the elements. Today, these knit lungs serve as a symbol of a movement committed to protecting vulnerable babies' tiny lungs.

The Protect Little Lungs campaign visually centered on an awareness symbol, a pair of delicately knitted lungs. Knitting is symbolic of what families do to prepare for arrival of new babies and to make sure they're safe and warm. We wanted to make sure it was a symbol of protecting babies' tiny lungs. The campaign spread the word about RSV through social media, using #littlelungs, which drove people to our Facebook page and our littlelungs.com website, where they could learn more about RSV, and to events, such as our live knit-in in Philadelphia and Knit Big for Little Lungs effort, resulting in hundreds of knitters sending in hand-knit items for newborns in NICUs.

And to keep the information relevant and engagement high, the Facebook page is refreshed eight times a month with posts regarding RSV facts, a symptom checker, resources, and tips for prevention.

The live knit-in generated tremendous support with knitters contributing nearly 300 knitted items to NICUs across the county. Advocacy partnerships have increased and have also helped broadcast the message within their communities as well, and knitters across the country continue to contribute to the cause.