NEWS RELEASE
LAUREN PIRES
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On Feb. 27, Newmarket’s Fred A. Lundy Bridge will light up in blue, pink, green, and purple in recognition of Rare Disease Day, a global movement dedicated to raising awareness for the one in 12 Canadians living with a rare disease.
Observed annually on the last day of February, Rare Disease Day highlights the everyday challenges faced by individuals with rare conditions and their families. This year, the town of Newmarket joins the global movement, in partnership with EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe and 72 national alliances, to call for greater research, treatment options, and community support for those affected.
Lauren Pires, an award-winning inspirational speaker and Invisible Disabilities Association Ambassador, is spearheading efforts to expand the #LightUpForRare campaign in Canada, working in alignment with the global Rare Disease Day movement. Through her advocacy, over 20 landmarks across 14 cities will light up this year—more than double the number she secured in 2024.
"Rare Disease Day is about making people feel seen," says Lauren Pires, who lives with Central Core Disease (CCD), a rare neuromuscular disorder affecting her physical strength. "Illuminating landmarks like the Fred A. Lundy Bridge is a powerful way to start conversations and bring more visibility to the rare disease community."
Why It Matters
- 1 in 12 Canadians has a rare disease, yet many conditions remain undiagnosed for years.
- 300 million people worldwide live with one of the 7,000+ known rare diseases.
- Awareness leads to change, helping drive research funding, healthcare improvements, and workplace inclusion.
Confirmed #LightUpForRare Landmarks for 2025
While many cities worldwide will participate, these are the locations personally secured by Lauren Pires, amplifying visibility and advocacy for the rare disease community.
Ontario (14 Cities)
- Newmarket’s Fred A. Lundy Bridge (Feb 27)
- Mississauga Civic Centre (Feb 27)
- Oakville Town Hall (Feb 27)
- Hamilton sign (Feb 28)
- Niagara sign (Feb 28)
- Brampton City Hall (Feb 28)
- Peterborough City Hall (Feb 28)
- Waterloo Waterluminate (Feb 28)
- Toronto Pearson Airport Apron Tower (Feb 28)
- London City Hall (Feb 28)
- London’s J. Allyn Taylor Building (Feb 28)
- RBC Place London (Feb 28)
- Municipality of Trent Hills Clock Tower (Feb 28)
- Guelph’s Market Square (Feb 28)
- Belleville Sign, Bridge St. Bridge and Fire Station 1 Memorial (Feb 24–Mar 2)
Out-of-Province Locations
- Moncton City Hall (Feb 28)
- Moncton’s Downing St (Feb 28)
- Moncton’s Downtown Place (excluding Avenir Centre) (Feb 28)
- Calgary’s TELUS Spark Science Centre (Feb 28)
Lauren’s total so far: 21 landmarks across 14 cities, with more to come.
How the Newmarket Community Can Get Involved
- Visit the Fred A. Lundy Bridge on Feb. 27 to see it illuminated in Rare Disease Day colours.
- Capture the moment and share it on social media using #LightUpForRare and #RareDiseaseDay to raise awareness.
- Show your support from home by lighting or decorating your space in Rare Disease Day colours at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2025. Take a photo and post it using #RareDiseaseDay to join the global movement.
Lauren Pires is encouraging more cities, businesses, and communities to join the movement and light up in solidarity. For more information on Rare Disease Day and how you can support the rare disease community, please visit EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe website and follow the #RareDiseaseDay hashtag on social media.
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