New York Landmarks Light Up Green for World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day

For Immediate Release

Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Plaza, Niagara Falls, National Grid Building, Fairport Lift Bridge, and Other Iconic New York Landmarks Join Global Lighting Campaign for World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day on Friday, Oct. 9

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sept. 30, 2026 – On Friday, Oct. 9, communities across the globe will mark World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day as the Alliance to Solve PANS & Immune-Related Encephalopathies (ASPIRE) launches its third consecutive global #LightUp4PANS campaign alongside 17 international advocacy organizations. Illuminating more than 219 landmarks worldwide — including Grand Central Terminal (Manhattan), Empire State Plaza (Albany), Niagara Falls, the National Grid Building (Syracuse), and the Fairport Lift Bridge (Rochester) — the initiative shines a vital spotlight on PANS and PANDAS, serious neuroimmune conditions. These key sites anchor a historic Governor’s Decree issued by Gov. Kathy Hochul, directing 15 landmarks across the state to light up green.

Together, these displays show a powerful surge in momentum across New York State to recognize PANS/PANDAS and support affected families. In Albany, the state has recognized World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day through a legislative resolution, two bills mandating insurance coverage are currently advancing, and advocates are preparing for an upcoming meeting with Gov. Hochul’s team.

The Matrix and LOST star Harold Perrineau, whose family has lived experience with PANS/PANDAS, will join alongside local OCD specialist and licensed mental health counselor, Barb Shepard, and Syracuse’s leading pediatric rheumatologists, Dr. Anjali Sura, Division Chief of Rheumatology at Upstate University Hospital and Dr. Caitlin Sgarlat Deluca, former Director of Pediatric Rheumatology at Upstate.

Driven by direct meetings with local families impacted by PANS/PANDAS, Central New York Assemblymember Pamela Hunter has stepped forward to co-sponsor the legislation with lead sponsor Assemblymember Michael Cashman. The local momentum in Syracuse highlights the state’s second annual observance of World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day.

In Syracuse, the National Grid Building will light up green and be accompanied by a community gathering sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets. Physicians from Upstate University Hospital, local pediatricians, mental health clinicians, and affected families are scheduled to attend in support of the #PANSSTRONG initiative. Community members can RSVP on Facebook and order awareness merchandise from the CARE Loudly Etsy Shop.

The iconic New York locations participating in the statewide #LightUp4PANS initiative:

• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (Tarrytown & South Nyack)
• Kosciuszko Bridge (Brooklyn & Queens, New York City)
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building (Albany)
• State Education Building (Albany)
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building (Albany)
• Empire State Plaza (Albany)
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center (Geddes, Syracuse)
• Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls)
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge (Poughkeepsie & Highland)
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct (Manhattan, New York City)
• Albany International Airport Gateway (Colonie, Albany)
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station (Manhattan, New York City)
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal (Fairport, Rochester)
• Moynihan Train Hall (Manhattan, New York City)
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse (Roosevelt Island, Manhattan, New York City)
• National Grid Building (Syracuse)

“Lighting landmarks green is about more than awareness. It is about making PANS and PANDAS visible so that families are heard, healthcare providers recognize the signs, and patients have a better chance of getting the care they need,” said Gabriella True, president of ASPIRE. “Too many families still spend months or years searching for answers and appropriate treatment. We want every green light on October 9 to help change that.”

World PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day has become an important event for families, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations to unite in solidarity. Beyond landmark lighting, this year’s campaign calls for greater public understanding, expanded research into treatments, and more comprehensive healthcare services for affected families.

“It’s really important to treat these conditions right away,” emphasized Dr. Susan Swedo, a neuroscientist and lead researcher for 25 years. “The faster you treat, the faster they can get well. You have to treat the cause, the underlying immune abnormality, and then the symptoms.”

The cost of inaction can be significant. When PANS and PANDAS are not recognized and treated properly, patients may cycle through repeated medical visits, specialists, emergency, and inpatient care. Families face school disruption, lost work, and mounting financial strain. Gaps in provider education can delay recognition and treatment. Insurance barriers can put appropriate care out of reach. Earlier recognition, knowledgeable providers, and access to necessary treatment can reduce avoidable suffering, disability, and long-term costs to families and communities.

ASPIRE’s Landmark Lighting Contributions

As part of this global effort, ASPIRE is proud to announce its successful partnership to light iconic landmarks across the globe. All locations will #LightUp4PANS on Oct. 9 unless otherwise noted: