January 24

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day is an annual event celebrated globally each year on January 24th.

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day (MSAD)  has been embraced globally by many organizations that support efforts to raise awareness about Moebius syndrome and facial differences. We are grateful to those that have helped to pioneer January a month of recognition for this rare syndrome, and to our many partner organizations who continually support our work to raise awareness. In addition to the information and resources you’ll find below, there are many resources for MSAD at mfoms.org.

The Moebius Syndrome Foundation celebrates #MSAD by sharing information about Moebius syndrome, offering financial support and resources to approved events, encouraging people to wear purple, and raising awareness through various means and channels.

Host an Event!

To learn more about hosting a Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day Event, email us at: events@moebiussyndrome.org

 

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day is an annual awareness event held on January 24, although many people, including the Moebius Syndrome Foundation, share information and celebrate our community members throughout the entire month of January. We believe that every day is a good day to raise awareness. We’ve even got the t-shirt!

Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological condition affecting around 2-20 births per million births. It causes facial paralysis or weakness and can cause speech, feeding and respiratory difficulties, limb differences, and other symptoms. It is a congenital, non-progressive disorder that affects individuals from all walks of life. For over three decades, the Moebius Syndrome Foundation has been leading the way advocating for awareness, advocacy, creating educational resources, connecting people, providing support services, and funding critical research initiatives.

Get Involved

Help us celebrate this event by submitting your stories and photos. Please email materials to us at: social@moebiussyndrome.org.

Let’s start planning your next MSAD or awareness event, at any time, whether in-person or virtually! Check out our new toolkits for planning an awareness event or fundraiser. Looking to join an event? Celebrate by finding an event near you.

You can also participate and support Moebius Syndrome Awareness through social media by sharing your stories using the hashtags #MSAD, #moebiussyndrome, and #MoebiusSyndomeFoundation.

Learn more about Moebius syndrome.

 

Awareness Day Materials

We’re excited to launch new toolkits to raise awareness and support for the Moebius community! Whether your goal is to raise awareness at a school, workplace, to fundraise for the MSF, or host a community event, these guides will help you get started. Feel free to reach out for planning assistance or with any questions at events@moebiussyndrome.org.

Wondering about the MSF’s Brand Usage Guidelines? Learn more here.

School & Educator Toolkit: 

Workplace Toolkit: 

Fundraising Toolkit:

Events Toolkit:

Every day is a great day to raise awareness about Moebius syndrome!

Awareness Day Event Resources

Download these materials to help plan, organize, and host an Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day event.

Draft a Proclamation

The Moebius Syndrome Foundation is thrilled to see so many of our community members across the United States apply to have their state or hometowns officially recognize January 24 as Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day. If you would like to do this, here are some instructions and templates to help.

How to draft a proclamation in your hometown or state

Cover Letter for Proclamation Template

Proclamation for MSAD Template

 
Sharing good articles and stories

You can be an influencer for good on social media and through email! These platforms are a simple and great way to help raise awareness about Moebius syndrome. Consider sharing a published article for education, or writing about your own journey! 

“7 Things to Understand on Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day” by Dr. Kathleen Bogart, Ph.D.

Research Articles

Living with Moebius Syndrome Stories

 
Organizing an awareness event in your school, workplace, or community

This may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be difficult in planning, big in production, and shouldn’t be expensive. The Foundation has created toolkits to help guide you in creating an awareness event that is right for you. We are here to help guide you, should you need additional assistance. Please reach out to events@moebiussyndrome.org.

Events Toolkit

School Awareness Toolkit

Work Awareness Toolkit

Request supplies or support for an awareness event – Do you need awareness supplies for your event? Based on availability, the Foundation can send some branded awareness items for a small school or work event. Supply requests are due 30 days before the event date, and can only be shipped within the United States. Want to create your own items? We’ve got templates you can download and then use to have your own flyers, awareness cards, stickers and more created. Check out our Awareness Day Printables section below to templates approved by the Moebius Syndrome Foundation.

 
Making Event Bags and Awareness Kits

This is a popular idea with many people who like to add extra flair to raising awareness at schools, workplaces, and community events. It can be as simple as offering a special treat to your classmates or co-workers, or using one of MSF’s free templates (listed in the templates section below) for a sticker or a pass-along information card.

We’ve listed some ideas below, but the skies the limit when it comes to creativity! If you’ve done something that you love, please share it with us so we can add it to our ideas list.

Purple Items For Parties and Favors – A list of foods and favors available at major retailers in the United States

 

 

A MSAD display
Do you need one of these templates customized? Please send a request at least 2 weeks prior to your event date to events@moebiussyndrome.org.

Awareness Day Printables

Blank Customizable Flier

Editable in Microsoft Word or Apple Pages

Gift Bag Tags

We recommend printing the gift bag tags and inserts on light cardstock for better quality. Print this page and then cut on the dotted lines. Use a hole punch at the top dotted circle on each tag. 

Gift Bag Inserts (No hole punch needed)

We recommend printing the gift bag tags and inserts on light cardstock for better quality.

“Look Beyond Face Value” Printable sheet for Gift Bag Inserts or Tags, or Stickers

We recommend printing the gift bag tags and inserts on light cardstock for better quality.

“Hello, My Name Is” Labels

Print off on sticker paper to create name tags for your event

Do you need one of these templates customized? Please send a request at least 2 weeks prior to your event date to events@moebiussyndrome.org.

School Toolkit for MSAD

Please note that the Moebius Syndrome Foundation logo is copyrighted and cannot be modified or used without permission in any way. Questions? Please contact us at info@moebiussyndrome.org.

Please see the School Toolkit for ideas and resources. Also, there are many resources for schools listed on the School Resources page.

Learn “Moe” About Moebius Syndrome: 

This is a template for a business size card.

Copyright © 2023 by Moebius Syndrome Foundation. 

Learn More About Moebius Syndrome

This is a template for a business size card.

Please do not edit the wording on this card in any way if using the logo.

Learn “Moe” About Moebius Syndrome

Sticker template

Copyright © 2023 by Moebius Syndrome Foundation.

Get your official Moebius Syndrome Foundation gear at the Moebius Syndrome Foundation Store! All proceeds benefit our mission.

Awareness Gear: Show your style and raise awareness!

From t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, yard flags, and more…we’ve got something for everyone. Anytime is a great time to raise awareness about Moebius syndrome, but if you want to get your gear in time for Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day, please be sure to place your orders no later than January 5 each year. 

Do you have an idea for a great design that you’d like to share? Are you wanting to create your own custom design and use one of our current designs or logo? Please contact us. We’d love to discuss.

If you are interested in creating your own materials for Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day, and would like to include any of the Moebius Syndrome Foundation’s logos or name in your materials, please review our Brand Usage Guidelines.

2026 Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day 2026 was one for the books! On January 24, hundreds of people around the world came together to celebrate, educate, and advocate in honor of MSAD. Social media lit up in purple as individuals, families, and friends shared stories, photos, and messages to raise awareness about Moebius syndrome. Members of the Moebius community hosted local events, led educational efforts in schools and workplaces, organized coffee talks, and sparked meaningful conversations.

The Foundation’s 2026 theme was “The Faces Moving Us Forward,” and we highlighted community members who shared their lived experiences and advice to help others unfamiliar with Moebius syndrome better understand people living with this rare condition.

The level of participation, creativity, and enthusiasm from our community was truly inspiring. Thank you to everyone who took part, shared a post, hosted an event, wore purple, or started a conversation. Together, we are spreading awareness and changing what the world knows about Moebius syndrome!

 

Read the 2026 Press Release.

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day Events

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day (MSAD) events have been held in: Arizona, Colorado, California, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Texas.

Ideas for Planning an Awareness Event

October 2022 | Presented by Jen Garvey and Cori Kopke