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Many Faces of Moebius Syndrome
Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day 2026
16 Years of Voices, Awareness, and Strength
About Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day
January 24, 2026, marks the 15th anniversary and 16th annual celebration of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day — a global movement dedicated to educating the public and celebrating the strength of those living with Moebius Syndrome. Each year, families, friends, and supporters unite to raise awareness, share personal stories, and promote understanding of this rare neurological condition.
As we celebrate fifteen years of progress, our goal for MSAD 2026 is to reach even more communities through storytelling, advocacy, and official proclamations across all 50 states and beyond. Together, we’re amplifying voices, building connections, and inspiring change around the world.
2026 Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day Proclamation Map
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This map tracks our growing awareness campaign for the 15th Anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day. Each pin marks a city, state, or federal office that has received an official proclamation request — visual proof of our community’s voice reaching leaders across the country.
You can help us expand the map by submitting your own proclamation request through the Express Toolkit. The more pins we add, the louder our message becomes: inclusion, understanding, and recognition for everyone affected by Moebius Syndrome. 👉 Fill Out the Express Proclamation Form
MSAD 2026 Awareness Package: Empowering Voices Across the Nation
This milestone year marks the 15th Anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day, celebrating fifteen years of awareness, advocacy, and community voices coming together to educate and inspire others.
To commemorate this occasion, Many Faces of Moebius Syndrome (MFOMS) has launched the MSAD 2026 Awareness Package — a complete collection of resources including the Proclamation Toolkit, Press Release, and Media Kit. Together, these tools empower individuals, families, and organizations to help raise awareness and make an impact in their communities as we celebrate this remarkable anniversary year.
Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day 2026
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Many Faces of Moebius Syndrome, the world’s largest all-volunteer Moebius Syndrome organization, announces the 15th Anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day
Global Campaign Kicks Off for January 24, 2026 — Wear Purple, Tell Your Story, Request Proclamations
Contact: Tim Smith — tim@mfoms.org | www.mfoms.org
Remington, Virginia — September 26, 2025 — Many Faces of Moebius Syndrome (MFOMS) is proud to announce the 15th anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day (MSAD), set for January 24, 2026. Since its inception in 2011, MSAD has united individuals, families, and communities across the world to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and celebrate the voices of people with Moebius syndrome.
A Legacy of Awareness
MSAD was founded by MFOMS co-leaders Tim Smith (Virginia, USA) and Gavin Fouché (Cape Town, South Africa), in partnership with community parent Donnie Downs. When the idea was first shared online, more than 200 people joined in the first week. The inaugural MSAD in 2011 attracted widespread media attention—from Australia to the United States—and drew tens of thousands of visits to the MFOMS website within its first 24 hours.
Over time, what began as a single day of awareness has evolved into a global movement of pride, acceptance, and storytelling—a moment when people everywhere wear purple, share their experiences, and spark meaningful conversations.
Why 2026 Matters
The 15th anniversary offers a unique opportunity to reflect on progress, renew resolve, and chart a bold path forward. For 2026, MFOMS invites the Moebius community to unite under two powerful subthemes:
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Proclamation Drive — MFOMS provides a comprehensive toolkit with both U.S. and international resources to help community members request official proclamations from local, state, national, and global leaders recognizing January 24, 2026, as MSAD.
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Media Storytelling Initiative — A media article toolkit (including pitch templates and this official press release) will support community members in sharing their personal stories with local newspapers, radio stations, and digital outlets.
What MFOMS Will Do
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Publish and distribute the official MFOMS MSAD 2026 press release (this document)
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Incorporate the release into both the proclamation toolkit and media outreach toolkit
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Roll out weekly social campaigns and newsletter support to drive engagement
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Offer templates, guidance, and direct support to participants
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Monitor media coverage, share success stories, and amplify voices across channels
How You Can Help
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Wear purple on January 24, 2026, to join the wave of visibility
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Request a proclamation from your mayor, city council, state legislature, or national government using MFOMS’ U.S. or international toolkit
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Share your story with local media using MFOMS’ pitch templates
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Engage online by following, sharing, and supporting MFOMS’ social media campaigns
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Visit tinyurl.com/msadJan24 to download toolkits and join the movement
Acknowledgment & Collaboration
MFOMS values and honors the efforts of the Moebius Syndrome Foundation (MSF) www.moebiussyndrome.org and other global Moebius organizations in raising awareness, supporting research, and helping families. We welcome collaborative amplification of messages and events—while recognizing that MFOMS remains the originator and steward of MSAD’s 15-year legacy.
About MFOMS
Many Faces of Moebius Syndrome (MFOMS) is an all-volunteer global community platform dedicated to elevating the voices, stories, and connections of people living with Moebius syndrome. Through advocacy, awareness campaigns, storytelling initiatives, and community support, MFOMS engages individuals and families across the world. As the founding organization of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day, MFOMS continues to steward the legacy, amplify grassroots voices, and empower local action.
🟣 Proclamation Campaign for MSAD 2026
January 24, 2026, marks the 15th Anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day (MSAD). This milestone is more than a date — it represents 15 years of voices raised, stories shared, and awareness spreading across the globe.
To make this anniversary even more meaningful, we are inviting families, friends, and supporters everywhere to help us gain official recognition for Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day in their cities and states. One powerful way to do this is by requesting a proclamation from your mayor or governor.
✨ Getting a Proclamation Is Easier Than Ever
Over the past 15 years, the process has become much simpler — many cities and states now accept requests completely online.
No printing. No mailing. No complicated paperwork.
By filling out a short online form, you can help your community officially recognize January 24, 2026, as Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day, joining others around the world in raising awareness and celebrating the strength of those living with Moebius Syndrome.
💜 Two Easy Ways to Take Part
1️⃣ Use Our Express Proclamation Kit (Recommended)
Let our team of experts handle it for you!
Simply answer a few short questions, and we’ll take care of the rest — preparing your proclamation request, completing the online submission, and ensuring it’s sent to the right officials.
➡️ Highly recommended for the easiest and fastest option.
2️⃣ Submit It Yourself
Prefer to do it on your own? That’s great too!
Many governors and mayors now offer online forms for proclamation or recognition requests.
Our Proclamation Toolkit includes:
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Sample proclamation text
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Helpful submission links
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Tips to find the right office for your city or state.
🕓 When to Submit
Please submit your proclamation request by December 15, 2025,
to ensure it’s processed and received in time for the 15th Anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day on January 24, 2026.
💬 Need Help or Have Questions?
Our Proclamation Support Team has already helped community members across the country successfully submit proclamations online — and we’re here to help you too.
If you have questions or would like assistance, please email us at tim@mfoms.org.
Together, we can fill the map with proclamations and make the 15th anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day our most powerful yet.
📅 Why Act Early?
Government offices need time to process requests, and once the holiday season begins, many offices slow down or close. That’s why we are asking supporters to submit their proclamation requests by October 31, 2025.
✅ Together, let’s make the 15th Anniversary of MSAD our most impactful yet — with proclamations reaching cities and states across the country.
✅ Share your success!
If your proclamation is approved, we’d love for you to celebrate with us! Take a photo with your proclamation and share it on social media, tagging @ManyFacesofMoebiusSyndrome. Every proclamation helps amplify awareness and shows the strength of our community.
📄 Download the Proclamation Toolkits below:
🟣15th Anniversary Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day
Media Contact Toolkit
Welcome
Please consider downloading our Media Toolkit for the 15th Anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day.
This toolkit was created to make it simple for members of our community to share the official press release and spread awareness through newspapers, TV stations, radio programs, online blogs, and other media outlets. By reaching out to journalists, you help amplify our voices and ensure that Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day (January 24) receives the recognition it deserves.
If you need help at any time, please reach out to me at tim@mfoms.org. I am happy to support you.
Together, we can make sure Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day is recognized far and wide, and that the voices of our community are heard.
Warmly,
Timothy Smith
President, Many Faces of Moebius Syndrome
📄 Download the Media Toolkit below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day?
A: Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day is a global event held each year on January 24 to raise awareness of Moebius Syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes facial paralysis and limited eye movement.
Q: Why is 2026 an important year?
A: 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day — celebrating 15 years of advocacy, storytelling, and awareness across the world.
Q: How can I get involved in MSAD 2026?
A: You can request an official proclamation from your city or state, share your story through Moebius Voices, or help spread awareness online using #MSAD2026.
Q: What is a proclamation and why does it matter?
A: A proclamation is an official statement recognizing Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day. Each one helps raise visibility, educate communities, and show support for those affected.
Q: Who can request a proclamation?
A: Anyone — individuals, parents, friends, or community supporters — can request a proclamation using our Proclamation Toolkit or Express Toolkit.
Continue Exploring
Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day continues to grow each year as more families, friends, and supporters join together to share stories, request proclamations, and raise awareness around the world. Explore our toolkits, learn about the History of Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day, visit the Moebius Voices Story Board, and see how you can help make the 15th anniversary of MSAD the most impactful celebration yet.
💜 Together, let’s make the 15th Anniversary of MSAD the most recognized and celebrated yet!