Shades for Migraine Drives Awareness and Action to Break Migraine Stigma

SYRACUSE, NY – The nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders is changing the conversation around migraine disease through its global Shades for Migraine awareness campaign. This year, the City of Syracuse is taking a leading role in raising awareness by issuing an official proclamation declaring June 2025 as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.

“This proclamation is more than a piece of paper, it’s a powerful step toward validating the lived experiences of people with migraine,” said Kristen Tryon, a Syracuse-based chronic migraine patient and advocate who helped lead the effort. “Battling chronic migraine is not only painful, it's isolating, especially when so many minimize migraine, thinking it’s just a headache. The proclamation shows that local leaders understand how disabling migraine can be.”

Make migraine visible. Show you care and wear a pair.

Migraine is more than a bad headache. It’s a complex neurological disease that can disrupt vision, mood, balance, sleep, and even the ability to think and communicate. Although it affects 40 million Americans (approximately 3.5 million in New York) and is the leading cause of disability in women under 50, migraine remains highly stigmatized and frequently minimized.

“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 touches every aspect of life. As part of the campaign, people around the world shared their personal experiences in the public service announcement Migraine Unfiltered offering a raw and honest look at the daily realities of living with migraine. They describe life with the disease as lonely, expensive, exhausting, and heartbreaking—but largely unseen.

Shades for Migraine aims to change that. Sunglasses, which symbolize light sensitivity (a common migraine symptom), also serve as a bold, visible statement of solidarity.

This June 21st, during Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the campaign invites the public to “Show You Care, Wear a Pair” by posting a photo in sunglasses on social media with #ShadesForMigraine.

“I started volunteering with Shades for Migraine because it gave me something I didn’t know I needed, visibility,” said Tryon. “Living with migraine can feel lonely and dark, but through this campaign, I’ve found connection, understanding, and a powerful reminder that I’m not alone.”

Migraine awareness goes big in Syracuse

Shades for Migraine launched two billboards to amplify awareness and encourage residents to participate in the Shades for Migraine movement—sparking meaningful conversations and bringing much-needed visibility to an often-invisible disease.

Join the Shades for Migraine Movement

“Shades for Migraine turns a small, everyday action like a selfie into a global statement,” said Sara Berkowitz, campaign program director. “It unites patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, businesses, friends, and advocates around a shared cause.”

How to participate:

• SNAP a photo in sunglasses
• SHARE it on social media with #ShadesForMigraine
• SHOW your support and tag @ShadesForMigraine to have it elevated

Like and follow Shades for Migraine on social media

@ShadesForMigraine

@ShadesForMigraine