International Angelman Day (IAD) is a global moment for the Angelman syndrome community to show up with visibility, creativity, and action. This year, families and supporters brought IAD to life in a big way, through social media storytelling, local news moments, and landmarks lit blue around the world.
Big Momentum on Social Media
In the days leading up to International Angelman Day and on February 15, FAST was honored to have been tagged in hundreds of posts on social media. Families used social media to celebrate their loved ones, educate their own networks, and reach people who may have never heard of Angelman syndrome before.
This year, we tested a simple idea: ask families to create short videos sharing a real glimpse into life with Angelman syndrome. The result was powerful, honest, and widely shared, and many of these videos reached well beyond existing followers.
From the family videos FAST collaborated on around IAD, the reach went well beyond our existing audience.
Thank you to everyone who filmed, posted, tagged, and shared!
Local News Helped Bring Angelman Syndrome to New Audiences
Sam and Vinesha Brown, parents of Savanna, who lives with Angelman syndrome, helped create a meaningful local moment of visibility around IAD. Through their outreach, FAST’s Elizabeth O’Connor (Philanthropy Manager and mother of Ryan, who lives with Angelman syndrome) joined Fox32 Chicago to help raise awareness about Angelman syndrome and FAST’s work in fueling research. This TV spot hit the local Chicagoland area on Thursday, February 13 for millions to see!
We’re grateful to the Browns for making this possible and to Elizabeth for showing up with such clarity and heart.
In case you missed it, you can watch the full interview here: FOX32 Interview
KCTV5 Kansas City: Maddie’s Mission and the Sargent Family
Maddie’s Mission and the Sargent Family was also featured in their area on KCTV5 Kansas City! This KCTV5 story shares Maddie Sargent’s journey, and how her family is pushing for better, more accessible care at Children’s Mercy so other families don’t have to navigate this alone.
Grateful for Maddie's Mission and all they do to raise funds that help move Angelman syndrome research forward. 💙
You can watch that feature here: KCTV5 Feature
Communities Went Blue in Big and Small Ways
Blue, the signature color representing Angelman syndrome, lit up homes, schools, stadiums, bridges, and landmarks across the globe. From Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro to Alton Towers in the UK to T-Mobile Park in Seattle, the message was unmistakable: this community shows up.
Families also brought IAD to life through everyday moments that still carry real impact: classrooms, sports games, workplaces, neighborhoods, and family gatherings. Every blue outfit, blue light, blue candy table, bubble wand, sign, or post were simple, yet impactful, ways to honor their loved one living with Angelman syndrome while reaching a new group of people who might not otherwise know Angelman syndrome exists.
Keep the Momentum Going
International Angelman Day is one day, but the momentum doesn’t have to stop on February 15. Families can keep building awareness and action throughout the year on milestones like birthdays, diagnosis days, fundraising events, and Giving Tuesday.
Want help brainstorming something for your family or community? Email community@cureangelman.org