20 Years of Awareness
Patients, survivors, care partners, and medical professionals from around the world dedicate June 10, 2026, as Ependymoma Awareness Day in honor of the 20th Year Anniversary of CERN!
Ependymoma is a rare primary brain or spine tumor diagnosed in children and adults. Ependymoma Awareness Day (EAD) was established in 2012 by the CERN Foundation as part of a global effort to shine a light on this poorly understood disease.
Ependymoma Awareness Day is an international day of awareness spearheaded by the CERN Program at the National Brain Tumor Society. Held on June 10th, Ependymoma Awareness Day brings attention to the rare cancer and the unique challenges faced by ependymoma patients, survivors, care partners, researchers, and medical providers. Our goal with Ependymoma Awareness Day is to increase public and professional recognition of this rare tumor, shine a light on the unique challenges faced by the ependymoma community, and express the urgent need to develop better-targeted treatments and clinical trials to improve quality of life and ultimately find a cure for those living with this disease.
On Ependymoma Awareness Day, people around the world participate in butterfly themed activities to honor loved ones with ependymoma, recognize care partners and medical workers, and to support ependymoma research efforts. The delicate and beautiful butterfly was chosen to represent the spirit of the ependymoma community as a symbol of hope through change. Just as a butterfly dramatically changes its shape, so can the meaning of hope along this journey.
