We the undersigned, seek to raise awareness of misophonia, a condition where certain sounds, especially mouth sounds like chewing, crunching and smacking, drive the sufferer into a fit of rage and disgust, and trigger a sense of genuine panic. Sufferers are not merely irritated by these sounds. Their reactions to trigger sounds are extreme and all-consuming both mentally and emotionally.



First, we ask NBC’s Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford to apologize for their cruel mockery of misophonia on the August 20, 2015 edition of the “Today Show.” They dismissed it as a genuine disorder, called it “phony,” and mocked the very triggers that seriously affect sufferers. Second, we ask NBC to help us raise awareness of this condition and continue the dialogue about misophonia. Other media personalities and shows have made a positive difference for us. Kelly Ripa appeared on her own show in 2011 describing her very own misophonia symptoms. Elizabeth Vargas and “20/20” produced a meaningful report on it in 2012. And NBC’s own Ann Curry provided an accurate portrayal and important interviews on misophonia on the September 8, 2011 “Today Show.”



So many disorders were once unnamed, misunderstood and ridiculed. Less than 75 years ago, autism was a completely unknown diagnosis. Until the 1970s, the yet unnamed Alzheimer’s Disease was simply thought to be the natural progression of aging and senility. And it wasn’t until 1980 that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) first got its name and the nation began learning what it was and how to understand it.



It goes without saying that before these disorders earned a name and a diagnosis they were ridiculed and dismissed as eccentricities, quirks, or bad behavior. But science, medicine and compassion prevailed. Today these disorders are in no dispute. The media raised awareness, advocated for sufferers and still plays a major role in combatting ignorance.



Misophonia is new on this horizon. Named in 2001, sufferers and their families are on the frontlines of educating others about the disorder and the fact that there is no cure for the reactions that trigger sounds cause. There are coping mechanisms for misophonia and the finest of these is awareness. Those that are surrounded by family, friends, coworkers and educators who have learned the truth about misophonia usually have it easier than others.



Ms. Kotb and Ms. Gifford owe an apology for ridiculing misophonia and its sufferers. We want to see them spend airtime acknowledging what misophonia really is and who suffers from it. Like NBC has done before with previously misunderstood diagnoses and illnesses, we want you to take a step forward in educating America about misophonia.



Thank you for your time and attention.