Every Story Shines Green
Our Strength. Our Story.
About PMSAD
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Day (PMSAD) is held every year on October 22. Families began this tradition to shine a light on Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and today it’s a global effort.
The color green originated from the colors of PMSF, the longest standing organization serving families affected by Phelan-McDermid syndrome. The meaning has expanded to represent hope, strength, and unity. On PMSAD, our entire community comes together to share stories, raise awareness, and show the world the strength of those living with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.
Why Awareness Matters
Awareness is more than recognition, it’s action.
Earlier diagnosis means families can access therapies and support sooner.
Greater visibility draws attention from researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, driving scientific discovery.
Sharing stories reduces isolation, builds understanding, and celebrates every person with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.
Each post, each story, and each act of advocacy helps create a future with better care, stronger support, and new possibilities for treatments.
About PMSF and CureSHANK
The Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation (PMSF) is doing everything it takes to make today better and the future brighter for everyone living with this complex condition — from the moment of diagnosis to the delivery of treatments and cures. We do this through providing family support, improving clinical care, and advancing research.
CureSHANK is dedicated to accelerating the development of treatments for Phelan-McDermid syndrome and other SHANK-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Their mission is to speed up the path from lab discoveries to therapies that improve lives.
While PMSF and CureSHANK have distinct missions, we share the same ultimate goal: improving the lives of people with Phelan-McDermid syndrome. By joining forces for PMSAD, our impact is stronger, our reach is wider, and our community is more united.
Thank You & Stay Connected
Thank you to every family, advocate, researcher, and partner who helps raise awareness on PMSAD and beyond. Your voices, stories, and actions bring visibility to this rare condition and hope for a brighter future.
Stay connected by signing up for updates from PMSF.
Together, we shine green for awareness, support, and hope.
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Day Toolkit 2025
Everything you need to join in on Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness Day is right here. Download, share, and shine green with us!
Social Media
Add a frame to your profile picture to show your support. Available in English and Spanish.
Don’t forget to tag us @Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation and CureSHANK on Facebook and @pmsf_official and CureSHANK on Instagram.
Use #PMSAD, #EveryStoryShinesGreen, #phelanmcdermidsyndrome
Need help with your frame? Reach out to jen@pmsf.org.
Create your Facebook Frame
- Edit the Canva frame with your photo
- MAKE YOUR POST SHAREABLE! Remember, posts on closed groups are NOT shareable.
- INCLUDE this statement in your post: “for more information about Phelan-McDermid syndrome, go to www.pmsf.org“.
Share Your Story
Need help telling your story? Use our flyer with easy prompts and examples to get started. Share a post, photo, or video with your story — and don’t forget to tag us!
Yard Sign
Print a yard sign to spread awareness in your neighborhood or community.
Our yard sign is designed for a standard 24 x 18 inch size. You have two easy options:
Order directly through Canva
Use this link: Canva Yard Sign
Canva will print and ship the sign straight to your home.
Download and print elsewhere
Download the yard sign image.
Upload it to any local or online printer that offers 24 x 18 inch yard signs (e.g., Staples, Vistaprint, FedEx).
Tip: Most yard signs are printed double-sided on weatherproof material and come with an H-stake for your lawn.
Downloadable Graphics
Share official PMSAD graphics to help raise awareness. Post them to your social media pages or send them to friends and family.
Fact Graphics (5 total) → Key facts about Phelan-McDermid syndrome
Simple Shareable → “Our Story Shines Green”
*Don’t forget to:
- Tag PMSF & CureSHANK in your posts
- Add your story to the caption
- Use the hashtags #PMSAD #EveryStoryShinesGreen #PhelanMcDermidSyndrome
Download your graphics by clicking here.
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome One-Page Summary
Looking for a simple way to share information about Phelan-McDermid syndrome with schools, healthcare providers, or your community? Download and print our one-page summary, designed to share key information about Phelan-McDermid syndrome in a clear and approachable way.
Shine Green. Post. Share. Contact Media
Share with your local legislators and media outlets
One way to spread awareness is by reaching out to your local newspaper, TV, or radio stations. Media coverage can bring our stories to a wider audience and help more people learn about Phelan-McDermid syndrome.
Look up reporters in your area who cover health, education, or community issues.
Share your story along with our press release or lighting request letter to make it easier for them to cover PMSAD.
Try to contact outlets by early October so they have time to prepare a story.
When talking with reporters, focus on:
Why awareness matters to families like yours
What #ShineGreen for PMSAD represents
How Phelan-McDermid syndrome impacts your loved one’s life
And always point them back to PMSF.org so readers and viewers can learn more.