NEWS RELEASE
RARE DISEASE DAY
*************************
On Feb. 28 the Niagara sign will be illuminated in blue, pink, green, and purple to recognize Rare Disease Day, a global movement dedicated to raising awareness for the 1 in 12 Canadians living with a rare disease.
Rare Disease Day, observed annually on the last day of February, highlights the urgent need for research, healthcare equity, and community support for the 300 million people worldwide living with rare diseases. This year, Niagara Falls joins a growing list of Canadian cities participating in the #LightUpForRare campaign, a movement that aims to create visibility and solidarity through landmark illuminations.
This year, Lauren Pires, an award-winning inspirational speaker and the first-ever Canadian Ambassador for the Invisible Disabilities Association, has joined the global initiative again to expand its reach across Canada. Through her advocacy efforts, she has personally secured 21 landmarks across 14 cities—tripling her impact from last year and significantly increasing visibility for rare diseases.
Pires, who was born with Central Core Disease (CCD)—a rare neuromuscular disorder that limits her physical strength to just 33 per cent of the average person—knows firsthand the challenges of living with an under-recognized condition. By supporting and amplifying the #LightUpForRare campaign in Canada, she hopes to create more visibility and community for those with rare diseases.
"Rare Disease Day is about making people feel seen," says Pires. "Lighting up landmarks like the Niagara Sign is a powerful way to spark conversations, raise awareness, and show solidarity with the millions affected by rare diseases."
Why It Matters
- 1 in 12 Canadians has a rare disease, yet many conditions remain undiagnosed for years.
- 300 million people worldwide are affected by one of the 7,000+ known rare diseases.
- Awareness leads to action—improved research funding, better healthcare access, and increased workplace inclusion for those with rare and invisible conditions.
Niagara Joins the #LightUpForRare Movement
While many landmarks across Canada and the world will participate, these locations were personally secured by Pires through her advocacy efforts, helping to more than double the campaign’s reach from last year.
Confirmed Landmarks in Ontario (14 Cities):
- Mississauga Civic Centre (Feb. 27)
- Newmarket’s Fred A. Lundy Bridge (Feb. 27)
- Oakville Town Hall (Feb. 27)
- Niagara Sign (Feb. 28)
- Hamilton Sign (Feb. 28)
- Brampton City Hall (Feb. 28)
- Peterborough City Hall (Feb. 28)
- Waterloo Waterluminate (Feb. 28)
- Toronto Pearson Airport Apron Tower (Feb. 28)
- London City Hall (Feb. 28)
- London’s J. Allyn Taylor Building (Feb. 28)
- RBC Place London (Feb. 28)
- Municipality of Trent Hills Clock Tower (Feb. 28)
- Guelph’s Market Square (Feb. 28)
- Belleville Sign, Bridge St. Bridge, & Fire Station 1 Memorial (Feb. 24-March 2)
Out-of-Province Locations:
- Moncton City Hall (Feb. 28)
- Moncton’s Downing St. (Feb. 28)
- Moncton’s Downtown Place (excluding Avenir Centre) (Feb. 28)
- Calgary’s TELUS Spark Science Centre (Feb. 28)
How the Niagara Community Can Get Involved
- Visit the Niagara Sign on Feb. 28 to see it illuminated in Rare Disease Day colours.
- Capture the moment and share your photos on social media using #LightUpForRare and #RareDiseaseDay to spread awareness.
- Show your support from home by lighting or decorating your space in Rare Disease Day colors at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28. Snap a photo and post it with #RareDiseaseDay to join the global movement.
Pires continues to urge more cities, businesses, and communities to join the campaign and light up in solidarity. For more information on Rare Disease Day and how you can support the rare disease community, please visit EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe website and follow the #RareDiseaseDay hashtag on social media.
*************************