2024 Shades for Migraine Campaign: Making a Positive Impact on the Community

By Sara Berkowitz, Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD)

Another successful year of Shades for Migraine is complete! The Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD) is excited to share our progress and highlight our achievements. AMD is dedicated to continually exploring innovative ways to support and enhance the quality of life for people living with migraine. One way to achieve that is through our Shades for Migraine campaign, which aims to spread awareness and education while fostering a supportive community for those affected by migraine disease.

Shades for Migraine invites people to be part of the viral movement supporting over one billion people affected by migraine disease worldwide. We strive for a world where people understand that, despite being invisible, migraine is a leading cause of disability globally. It is more than a headache. It is a debilitating neurological disease with a spectrum of symptoms.

The campaign centers around participants posting a picture in their sunglasses on social media on (and around) June 21 using the #ShadesForMigraine.

Migraine Symptoms

The educational theme for 2024 was “symptoms”. We effectively shared engaging social media content and blogs to highlight many of the lesser-known migraine symptoms. This resonated with many people, fostering a deeper connection and understanding within the migraine community and the general public.

Our Impact…

This year we:

Distributed 15,500 signature purple sunglasses worldwide 

Inspired participation in 48 States, 43 Countries and 2 US Territories

Partnered with 40 organizations and bloggers globally 

Engaged 45,700 social media followers

Reached 9 million people

Community Mobilization

Our 26 Community Leaders helped spread awareness to communities around the globe, empowering individuals to share their stories. They hosted more than 15 events across the nation and internationally including a Happy Hour night, various shopping events, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes, an Arts & Books event and a Coffee Meet Up. One even participated in a Parade!

Shades for Migraine Community Leaders successfully secured proclamations in various cities and states around the US, publicly recognizing Shades for Migraine Day and Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. Additionally, they also took part in TV interviews and podcasts, helping us spread awareness to communities on a larger scale.

“I didn’t realize how just sharing a little bit of awareness about the facts of migraine can really help open people’s mindset.”  – Anne-Marie A, Community Leader – Ohio

“Sharing my migraine story allows me to inspire and encourage those fighting the same battle, transforming our collective struggle into a beacon of resilience and hope.” – Sasankaa G, Community Leader – Sri Lanka

Our Partners

Our partners, 40 organizations and bloggers from around the globe, offered unique resources to the migraine community and actively supported the Shades for Migraine campaign.

“We at Migraine Australia look to you for inspiration and are happy to be involved.” – Megan Gaukroger, National Volunteer Coordinator for Migraine Australia

New this year was the creation of teal co-branded sunglasses for our European partners with many supporting SFM with social media posts in their native languages.

Additionally, our photo contest was supported by 35 brand partners donating more than $7,000 of migraine friendly products.

Media & Ambassadors

Our three Medical Ambassadors, Franchesca Fiorito, MD, Shivang Joshi, MD, MPH, RPh, FAHS and Maria Machala, NP provided interviews, sharing important information about migraine myths, symptoms, and triggers.

We appeared on various media outlets including NBC 10 News in Rhode Island, Lowcountry Live on ABC in South Carolina, The Doctor Radio Sirius XM, and in Drug Topics.

In-Person Outreach

Shades for Migraine left a lasting impression at the Cooper River Bridge Run and Health Expo in Charleston, South Carolina this past April.

We handed out over 2,500 pairs of our iconic purple sunglasses and engaged in meaningful and informative conversations about migraine disease with thousands of participants.

New Original Content

As part of our ongoing mission to educate the public about migraine disease, SFM has introduced helpful and practical blogs such as 6 Things You Should Know About Migraine, 5 Ways to Help a Friend with Migraine, and Breaking the Migraine Stigma: 5 Things You Need to Know.

The Campaign

As Shades for Migraine grows each year, we are grateful for the opportunity to bring migraine education and awareness to the forefront. Our platform empowers individuals to share their stories, be heard and highlight the true impact of migraine. To find out more about Shades for Migraine, visit us at www.shadesformigraine.org.

Shades for Migraine is generously supported by our sponsors Abbvie, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Lundbeck and Axsome Therapeutics.

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Learn more about our impact in the 2024 Shades for Migraine Annual Report here.