Living with Invisible Pain, Tampa Advocate Leads Migraine Awareness Effort

This June, Florida joins a global movement to recognize Migraine and Headache Awareness Month through the Shades for Migraine campaign—an international initiative led by the nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders. Shades encourages people around the world to “Show You Care, Wear a Pair” by wearing sunglasses on June 21 to raise awareness for migraine, a misunderstood and invisible neurological disease.

In Tampa, chronic migraine patient Beckiee Frasca is using her story to help make migraine visible.

“I’ve had migraine since I was five years old, but it wasn’t until my 20s that it became chronic,” said Frasca. “For years, I battled the pain alone—through depression and even suicidal ideation. It wasn’t until I found the right headache care team at age 36 that things finally started to change.”

Frasca experiences a range of severe symptoms, including light sensitivity, nausea, dizziness, and head pain so intense it becomes unbearable.

“One of the biggest barriers for people with migraine is that often, symptoms aren’t visible,” said Dr. Franchesca Fiorito, neurologist and Shades for Migraine Medical Ambassador. “That invisibility leads to skepticism, misunderstanding, and judgment.”

Migraine affects 40 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of disability. Yet that stigma remains a challenge.

“I’ve lost friends and strained relationships with family because people don’t believe I have this disease,” said Frasca.

Through advocacy, education, and lived experience, Frasca hopes to bring attention to migraine and show others they aren’t alone.

Join the movement and help make migraine visible

On June 21, Shades for Migraine invites people around the world to take part in a simple act of solidarity:

• SNAP a photo wearing sunglasses
• SHARE it on social media tagging @ShadesForMigraine
• SHOW your support with #ShadesForMigraine

“Shades for Migraine turns a small, everyday action like a selfie into a global statement,” said Sara Berkowitz, campaign program manager. “You help make migraine visible, break stigma, and show support for the millions living with this disabling disease.”

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, Shades works to spread awareness through a fun, engaging, and inclusive approach that sparks conversation and builds empathy.