Several landmarks across Vancouver Island will be bathed in purple light this Sunday, May 18th, as part of a nationwide movement to raise awareness for Global Porphyria Day.
The day, which wraps up Porphyria Awareness Week, shines a spotlight on porphyria—a group of rare blood disorders that are often misdiagnosed due to their complex symptoms. By illuminating buildings and public spaces in purple, communities across Canada are helping bring attention to the need for better access to diagnosis and treatment.
On Vancouver Island, the following landmarks will take part in the purple lighting campaign:
- Victoria:
- BC Legislature
- Victoria City Hall
- Nanaimo:
- The Bastion
- Ladysmith
- Town Hall
- Saanich
- Municipal Hall
- Esquimalt
- Archie Browning Arena
- The Esquimalt Water Park
They join dozens of other landmarks across the country, including the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square, Niagara Falls, Science World in Vancouver, and La Grande Roue in Montréal, all participating in the Canada-wide awareness campaign.
Porphyria affects the body’s ability to produce heme, a vital component of blood. Depending on the type, the condition can cause a range of symptoms including intense abdominal pain, nerve damage, or extreme sensitivity to sunlight.
Diagnosis is notoriously difficult, with many patients going years without proper treatment.
Organizers behind the awareness week are urging the public to show support by wearing purple, lighting up their homes or businesses, and using hashtags like #GlobalPorphyriaDay and #PurpleforPorphyria on social media.
More information about porphyria and the nationwide campaign can be found through the Canadian Association for Porphyria at porphyriacanada.ca.
