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. Our goal with Ependymoma Awareness Day is to increase public recognition of this rare tumor and the urgent need for more clinical studies to improve diagnostic methods, develop better-targeted treatments and improve outcomes for those living with this disease.

On Ependymoma Awareness Day, butterflies around the world are released to honor loved ones with ependymoma, recognize care partners and medical workers, and 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.