Visibility to Shatter Stigma: Shades For Migraine Drives Migraine Awareness Worldwide
The campaign highlights the physical, social, and emotional toll of migraine while offering community and validation for millions living with migraine
Providence, R.I. – The nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders is changing the conversation around migraine disease through its global Shades For Migraine awareness campaign. Combining visibility with action, Shades For Migraine sparks conversation and confronts stigma while elevating lived experience — all to advance the public’s understanding of migraine.
Migraine is a common, complex neurological disease that can disrupt vision, mood, balance, sleep, memory, even the way we think and talk. Although migraine is one of the most disabling conditions in the world, it remains highly stigmatized and frequently minimized.
“Some think of migraine as a bad headache, but that oversimplification misses the bigger picture,” said Dr. Franchesca Fiorito, neurologist and Shades for Migraine Medical Ambassador. “Many patients struggle to function at work, school, and home. Beyond the physical pain, migraine can impact relationships and family life. Patients often feel guilty for canceling plans, missing important moments, and not being fully present.”
Make migraine visible. Show you care and wear a pair.
“Because migraine is an invisible disease, many patients feel misunderstood or dismissed by others,” said Fiorito. “That invisibility leads to skepticism, misunderstanding, and judgment.”
As part of the campaign, people around the world shared a raw and honest look at the realities of migraine in the public service announcement: Migraine Unfiltered. They describe life with migraine as heartbreaking, lonely, expensive, frustrating, and defeating. Those struggles are largely unseen.
Shades For Migraine aims to make migraine and its impact more visible. Sunglasses, symbolizing the common symptom of light sensitivity, serve as a powerful symbol of support.
“Shades For Migraine is visibility. It’s validation,” said Jessica Johnson-Jones, a chronic migraine patient and advocate. “It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s community and light. It is a gentle reminder that I am not alone.”
Global advocacy. Individual impact.
Shades For Migraine raises awareness worldwide while fostering connections, creating a lasting impact. For many, the campaign is personal and powerful.
“Shades For Migraine means community and hope,” said Jacopo Papi, a chronic migraine patient and advocate. “It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in what I go through, that there are people around the world who understand this pain and are working to make it seen and taken seriously. Shades For Migraine gave me a voice when I felt invisible.”
Join the Shades For Migraine movement
“Shades for Migraine turns a small, everyday action like a selfie, into a global statement,” said campaign Program Manager Sara Berkowitz. “Shades unites patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, businesses, friends, and advocates around a shared cause.”
This June, during Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the campaign invites the public to “Show You Care, Wear A Pair” and help spread migraine awareness. Participation is easy!
SNAP a photo in sunglasses
SHARE it on social media, tagging @ShadesForMigraine
SHOW you care and use #ShadesForMigraine to elevate your support
About Shades For Migraine
Shades For Migraine is a global awareness campaign that encourages people to wear sunglasses on June 21 in solidarity with those living with migraine. Launched in 2017 by the nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders, SFM works to spread awareness through a fun, engaging, and inclusive approach that sparks conversation and builds empathy to break stigma. In 2025, SFM reached 406 million people with participation in 56 countries and 16 languages.