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Rare Disease Day 2026
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#LightUpForRare

The text reads, 'Rare Disease Day Global Chain of Lights' with an image of a boy holding blue lights in the background.
An image of a boy holding rainbow coloured lights over balloons. The text reads, 'Rare Disease Day 2023 Global chain of lights'.
A collage of images. The top left image shows four people lit up in the dark. The top right image shows houses lit up in the rare disease day colours. The bottom left shows a boy holding blue lights and the bottom right shows two people with their room lit up. The text reads, 'Rare Disease Day global chain of lights'.
An image that shows a girl and her parents lying down wearing green lights. The text reads, 'Rare Disease Day 2023 Global Chain of Lights'.
An image which shows someone riding a bicycle with the wheels lit up. The text reads, 'Rare Disease Day Global Chain of lights'.
An image of a collage of different houses lit up in the rare disease day colours. The text reads, 'Rare Disease Day Global chain of lights'.

Everyone can participate in the Global Chain of Lights and Share Your Colours!

In an effort of global solidarity, you are invited to light or decorate your home with the Rare Disease Day colours at 7 PM your local time on 28 February 2025.

You can use garlands, social media filters, candles, disco lamps, colourful decorations… Let your creativity shine!

We suggest you take a picture of yourself with the illuminations or decorations you chose and publish it on your social media using our “Global Chain of Light” filters and #rarediseaseday.

We have prepared information and instructions for you in the attached document. Print it out or email it to friends!

Cover picture for the Light Up For Rare instructions

Download the toolkit PDF

There is also a film for you to play on your TV or your laptop. Take a look and play it from your window!

You can also download the #lightupforrare video to your computer.

By Sharing Your Colours and shining a beacon from your home, office or your town, you are participating in awareness-raising and showing your solidarity. Collectively, we aim to change and improve the lives of 300 million people worldwide.

Though Rare Disease Day is community-led, everyone, including individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry representatives and the general public can participate in raising awareness and taking action today for this vulnerable population who require immediate and urgent attention.

Would you like to light up a building or monument for? We have compiled information to help you!

Download the toolkit PDF

Thumbnail with dark blue background, paint strokes, the Rare Disease Day logo and #RareDiseaseDay. The text reads: "How to illuminate a building for Rare Disease Day."

Be part of the change this Rare Disease Day!

Check out our other toolkits:

School toolkit

Download our toolkit and start the conversation about rare diseases with teachers or with young children!

Equity

Learn more about our global purpose working towards increased equity for people living with a rare disease and their families.

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