#LightUpForRare

24 Canadian Landmarks. 16 Cities. 4 Provinces.

Every year, landmarks around the world light up for Rare Disease Day. After going undiagnosed for two decades, Lauren Pires wanted to make sure Canada was part of that movement. This is her third year bringing #LightUpForRare to Canadian communities so that others living with rare diseases don't have to feel invisible.

Lauren Pires celebrating in front of the illuminated Mississauga Civic Centre for Rare Disease Day

Landmarks

Cities

Provinces

Rare Disease Day is observed annually on the last day of February, highlighting the urgent need for research, healthcare equity, and community support for the 300 million people worldwide living with rare diseases. This year's global theme is "Moving Forward. Looking Ahead."

#LightUpForRare is a global initiative where landmarks around the world illuminate in blue, pink, green, and purple to create visibility and solidarity for the rare disease community. Hundreds of landmarks participate internationally each year, from city halls and bridges to airports and science centres.

Lauren went undiagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disorder for the first two decades of her life and spent 30 years hiding her disability. That experience is what drives her to bring #LightUpForRare to Canadian communities. In 2024, she was selected as one of the faces of the official global Rare Disease Day campaign. Working with the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD), Lauren has secured 24 Canadian landmarks this year, stretching from Moncton, New Brunswick to Coquitlam, British Columbia, so that others living with rare diseases don't have to feel invisible.

Lauren Pires featured as one of the faces of the global Rare Disease Day 2024 campaign poster

Lauren was selected as one of the faces of the global Rare Disease Day 2024 campaign by EURORDIS–Rare Diseases Europe.

"Rare Disease Day is about creating visibility and community for the 1 in 12 Canadians living with a rare disorder. Living with a rare disease can feel like a pretty niche experience. But connecting with others, even with different conditions than your own, is a reminder that a community that understands is out there." — Lauren Pires

Niagara Sign illuminated in pink and green for Rare Disease Day

Niagara Sign — Niagara Falls, ON

Peace Bridge illuminated in green and purple for Rare Disease Day

Peace Bridge — Fort Erie, ON

Mississauga Civic Centre illuminated in purple and blue for Rare Disease Day

Mississauga Civic Centre — Mississauga, ON

RBC Place London illuminated in purple and blue for Rare Disease Day

RBC Place — London, ON

Pearson Airport Apron Tower illuminated in blue for Rare Disease Day

Apron Tower — Pearson Airport, Mississauga, ON

Brampton Clock Tower illuminated in blue and pink for Rare Disease Day

Clock Tower — Brampton, ON

Guelph Market Square illuminated in purple for Rare Disease Day

Market Square — Guelph, ON

Waterloo King Street Lights illuminated in pink and blue for Rare Disease Day

King Street Lights — Waterloo, ON

February 23 – March 1

Belleville Sign Belleville, ON

Bridge Street Bridge Belleville, ON

Fire Station 1 Memorial Belleville, ON

February 26

Mississauga Civic Centre Mississauga, ON

Town of Oakville Oakville, ON

February 27

Brampton Clock Tower Brampton, ON

Market Square Guelph, ON

London City Hall London, ON

J. Allyn Taylor Building London, ON

RBC Place London, ON

February 27 – 28

Avenir Centre Moncton, NB

Downing Street Moncton, NB

Downtown Place Moncton, NB

February 28 — Rare Disease Day

Moncton City Hall Moncton, NB

King Street Lights / Waterluminate Waterloo, ON

Hamilton Sign Hamilton, ON

Niagara Sign Niagara Falls, ON

Peace Bridge Fort Erie, ON

Peterborough City Hall Peterborough, ON

Apron Tower — Pearson Airport Mississauga, ON

TELUS Spark Science Centre Calgary, AB

Gateway Angels Penetanguishene, ON

LED Light Poles Coquitlam, BC

Vaughan City Hall Vaughan, ON

2024

7 landmarks
7 cities
1 province

2025

21 landmarks
14 cities
3 provinces

2026

24 landmarks
16 cities
4 provinces

One in 12 Canadians lives with a rare disease, yet many wait years, sometimes decades, for a diagnosis. Over 300 million people worldwide are affected by one of the 7,000+ known rare diseases. More than 70% of rare diseases are genetic in origin, and approximately 72% affect children. Greater awareness leads to improved research funding, better healthcare access, earlier diagnoses, and increased inclusion for those whose conditions remain invisible.

Visit a participating landmark 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. You can also show your support from home by lighting or decorating your space in Rare Disease Day colours at 7 PM on February 28. Snap a photo and post it to join the global movement.

Learn More at RareDiseaseDay.org Follow @LaurenSaysYay

In Partnership With

Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) — Canada's national network for organizations representing all those with rare disorders. CORD provides a strong common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for those with rare disorders.
RareDisorders.ca

24 Canadian Landmarks. 16 Cities. 4 Provinces.

Lighting Up Canada for Rare Disease Day

Participating Landmarks

Three Years of Showing Up

Why It Matters

How You Can Get Involved