NEW YORK, May 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "If releasing one balloon can help save a life, imagine what one million can do." That was a question posed by Vicki Modell, Co-Founder of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation dedicated to Primary Immunodeficiencies. Her challenge was captured in a short animated film posted on social media platforms, including Facebook.

"I was overwhelmed that we reached nearly 9 million people in 95 countries and that there were more than 4.5 million views, 15,000 likes and loves, and 2,100 shares. We knew that most people would not be familiar with Primary Immunodeficiencies. Yet this condition affects millions, worldwide, mostly children, and is chronic, serious and often fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. That is why I knew we needed greater public awareness."

Fred Modell, Co-Founder of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation added, "We decided to create a Virtual Balloon Launch. We took a chance; hoping people would see the video. We would have been thrilled to reach 10,000 viewers. But this initiative went "viral" almost immediately, quickly reaching more than 1 million a day and still going strong."

"We heard from so many new families and learned that people like to align themselves with causes that are meaningful to them. They just don't always know how to engage. The virtual balloon launch provided an easy way to join a grassroots movement worldwide. We are truly humbled and honored to receive this support and we know that so many precious lives will be saved…that's priceless."

View the video on the Jeffrey Modell Foundation Facebook page. 

About Jeffrey Modell Foundation
Vicki and Fred Modell established the Jeffrey Modell Foundation in 1987, in memory of their son Jeffrey, who died at the age of fifteen from complications of Primary Immunodeficiency -- a genetic condition that is chronic, serious, and often fatal.

JMF is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to early diagnosis, meaningful treatments and, ultimately, cures through research, physician education, public awareness, advocacy, patient support, and newborn screening. The Jeffrey Modell Centers Network (JMCN) includes 602 physicians at 250 academic institutions, in 206 cities, 84 countries, spanning 6 continents and growing.

For more information about PI, visit the Jeffrey Modell Foundation at www.info4pi.org or email info4pi@jmfworld.org. You can also follow the Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contacts:
Vicki Modell, Jeffrey Modell Foundation, (212) 819-0200
Fred Modell, Jeffrey Modell Foundation, (212) 819-0200

SOURCE Jeffrey Modell Foundation