Shades for Migraine Drives Awareness and Action to Break Stigma

GREENVILLE, SC – The nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders is changing the conversation around migraine disease through its global Shades for Migraine awareness campaign. This year, South Carolina is taking a leading role to raise awareness by issuing an official statewide proclamation declaring June 2025 as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.

“These declarations represent acknowledgment from local leaders that migraine’s impact is real and that the roughly one million South Carolinians living with migraine deserve understanding and support,” said Sara Berkowitz, program manager for Shades for Migraine.

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, even the way we think and talk. Although it affects 40 million Americans 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 support.

This June, 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.

“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 Reach. Personal Impact.

Shades for Migraine raises awareness across continents while fostering personal connections.
“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 Movement

“Shades for Migraine turns a small, everyday action like a selfie into a global statement,” said Berkowitz. “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