March: Dates of Significance

In March we acknowledge Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, World Teen Mental Wellness Day, World Birth Defects Day, World Hearing Day, World Lymphedema Day, International Women’s Day, World Social Work Day, National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, Purple Shirt Day and the Transgender Day of Visibility. Read more about each date of significance below, written by members of Grandview Kids’ Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

March is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month in Canada, highlighting the challenges faced by the over 24,000 children under 16 living with this condition. Juvenile arthritis includes various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that cause joint inflammation and stiffness, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe pain and reduced mobility. The causes of juvenile arthritis are not fully understood but involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s tissues, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital for managing symptoms and preventing long-term joint damage. Treatment strategies may include medications, physical therapy and sometimes surgery. By raising awareness, we aim to improve understanding and support for these young patients and their families across Canada.

Learn more about Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month here!

World Teen Mental Wellness Day: March 2

This day raises awareness about the mental health challenges teens face, from stress and anxiety to depression and social pressures. It’s a reminder of the importance of open conversations, reducing stigma and ensuring young people have access to the support they need. You can show your support by checking in on the teens in your life, encouraging open discussions about mental well-being and sharing resources that promote self-care and resilience. Small actions (like listening without judgment or normalizing seeking help) can make a big difference.

In 2024, Sam Keane, a former Grandview Kids client and current Grandview Kids employee working on the Family Engagement Team as a Peer Navigator shared his story for Teen Mental Wellness Day. Sam has Spastic Triplegia Cerebral Palsy and, during his time as a client, accessed many of Grandview Kids’ services, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, alongside a variety of social programs and activities. These resources helped Sam achieve many personal goals and accomplishments throughout his journey as he transitioned from adolescence to adult life outside of Grandview Kids. Click here to read Sam’s story.

World Birth Defects Day: March 3

March 3 is World Birth Defects Day (WBDD). Birth defects, also known as congenital disorders, are health conditions that develop before birth and affect the structure or function of a baby’s body. These defects can result in physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities, which can vary in severity.

Maritza B., a research coordinator at Grandview Kids, was born with one of the most common birth defects: a cleft lip and palate. A cleft lip and palate occur when the tissues and bones of the face and mouth do not fully fuse, resulting in a gap in the upper lip and/or palate. Maritza is grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of birth defects and highlight the importance of equitable prevention efforts worldwide. Through the collective efforts of researchers, medical professionals and community members, Maritza believes we can reduce stigma and improve the quality of care for individuals born with birth defects.

World Hearing Day: March 3

World Hearing Day is observed every March 3 to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear care globally. The 2025 theme encourages everyone to prioritize their hearing health.

This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) will introduce a new global standard for safe listening in video games and sports. WHO will also launch a school module to teach students about smart listening. These initiatives aim to improve listening habits and integrate hearing care into education.

Learn more about World Hearing Day here!

World Lymphedema Day: March 6

World Lymphedema Day is observed annually on March 6. The day was officially recognized in 2016 after the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) successfully petitioned the United States Senate. In 2025, it will mark the 10th World Lymphedema Day. The day aims to raise awareness of lymphatic diseases worldwide

Lymphatic diseases encompass a range of conditions that affect the lymphatic system, a key part of the immune system responsible for fighting infection and cancer. Common conditions include lymphedema, lipedema, lymphatic malformations, lymphatic filariasis and the lymphatic continuum of diseases. These diseases occur when the lymph vessels are unable to properly drain lymph fluid.

Learn more about World Lymphedema Day here.

International Women’s Day: March 8

March 8, 2025, is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “Let’s accelerate action for women’s equality.” Today is a day to celebrate the incredible achievements women have made so far and the ongoing work toward achieving gender parity.

Since its inception in 1911, IWD has served as a symbol of solidarity, uniting individuals to collaborate and drive action that promotes positive change in women’s equality around the world. Let’s reflect on these achievements and take pride in how far we’ve come while staying motivated to continue working toward greater progress.

There are many ways to support women’s equality. Here are a few:

• Educate yourself and others on women’s equality and current global issues.
• Ask questions, even when others may not.
• Raise awareness of women’s equality, rights and achievements.
• Get involved in initiatives that advance women’s progress.
• Fundraise or donate to women-focused charities and organizations.
• Support women-owned businesses.
• Thank the powerful women in your life.
• Reflect on the positive changes women around the world have made (and are making) to support gender parity.

Let’s come together to support and celebrate International Women’s Day and continue the work of the trailblazers who paved the way before us!

Here are some great quotes to consider:

• “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
• “I think realizing that you’re not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world is vital.” – Malala Yousafzai
• “Every women’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re stronger when we cheer each other on.” – Serena Williams
• “I’ve never been interested in being invisible and erased.” – Laverne Cox
• “What’s the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself. It’s the world that convinced her she did not.” – Rupi Kaur

World Social Work Day: March 18

World Social Work Day has been observed annually on the third Tuesday of March since 2007, recognizing the vital contributions of social workers in building inclusive, equitable and sustainable communities. Organized by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and celebrated on March 18 this year, the day serves as a platform to highlight the achievements of social work and advocate for social justice, human rights, and the well-being of individuals and communities.

Each year, a specific theme draws attention to pressing social issues, encouraging collaboration among professionals, organizations and policymakers to drive meaningful change. This year’s theme is “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing,” which emphasizes the importance of care and respect across generations to support strong communities.

World Social Work Day celebrates the dedication of social workers while raising awareness about the challenges they face and the critical role they play in shaping a more just society.

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day: March 25

March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, and National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is on March 25.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common physical disability in childhood, and while it affects everyone differently, it can impact muscle tone, coordination and motor skills.

This initiative was started by a CP advocacy group in 2006. Supporters, activists and advocates celebrate by wearing green, using the “#GoGreen4CP” hashtag and donating to organizations that support people with CP.

Here is a quote from a mom whose child is a Grandview Kids Client with CP: “At first, it was difficult and hard to accept that something was wrong with my son. Once I came to terms with this, all the help and support from the Grandview Kids staff made it an easier road.”

Purple Shirt Day: March 26

Purple Shirt Day is an international grassroots movement aimed at raising awareness about epilepsy. On March 26 each year, people around the world wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. It is the fourth most common neurological condition worldwide. In people with epilepsy, surges of electrical activity in the brain trigger seizures.

Last year, individuals in more than 85 countries across all continents participated in Purple Day. Canada is the only country to officially recognize March 26 as Purple Day, following the implementation of the Purple Day Act on June 28, 2012.

Transgender Day of Visibility

Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is observed annually on March 31 to celebrate transgender people and raise awareness of the discrimination they face worldwide. Founded in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall, TDOV was created to counter negative narratives often associated with transgender lives. By observing TDOV, individuals and organizations can help foster understanding, reduce stigma and promote inclusivity for transgender people in workplaces, schools and communities.