A Guide to Awareness Ribbon Colors

A Guide to Awareness Ribbon Colors

Written by: Amanda Phillips

Living with a chronic illness or being thrown into the chaos of a cancer diagnosis, one knows how much life may change. Been there, done that, and though the journey is not easy, some of the things that make me not feel so alone are the awareness ribbons we use to represent the conditions we are fighting. They are simple ribbons, all different colors, which connect us to others who really know. They remind us that even on the worst of days, we are part of a community of fighters.

Awareness ribbons hold a great deal of importance for those of us who deal with chronic illnesses, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. Whether it be the color purple for lupus or green for mental health awareness, these colors enable us to raise awareness, start conversations, and feel seen. This guide will go over some of the most common ribbon colors, what conditions they represent, and why they are important to our community.

Top Awareness Ribbon Colors and Months

Pink

  • Breast Cancer – October

Purple

  • Lupus – May
  • Fibromyalgia – May
  • Pancreatic Cancer – November
  • Epilepsy – November
  • Alzheimer's Disease – June
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – May
  • Testicular Cancer - April
  • Crohn's Disease 
  • Sarcoidosis - April
  • Sjogren's

Blue

  • Colorectal Cancer - March
  • Alopecia - September
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome

    Teal

    • Ovarian Cancer – September
    • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – September
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – June
    • Myasthenia Gravis – June
    • Dysautonomia - October

    Light Blue

    • Prostate Cancer – September
    • Thyroid Disease – January
    • Achalasia Autoimmune Disease

    • Addison's Disease - September
    • Behcet's Disease
    • Graves' Disease - May

     Red

    • Heart Disease – February
    • Blood Cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma) – September
    • HIV/AIDS – December

    Yellow

    • Endometriosis – March
    • Bladder Cancer – May
    • Bone Cancer - July

    Green

    • Mental Health – May
    • Kidney Disease - March
    • Celiac Disease – May
    • Liver Disease – October
    • Lyme Disease – May
    • Gallbladder/Bile Duct - February
    • Arthritis - May

    Orange

    • MS – March (Multiple Sclerosis)
    • Leukemia – September
    • CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) – November
    • Kidney Cancer - March

    Amber

    • Appendix Cancer - August

    Gray

    • Brain Cancer - May

    Gold

    • Childhood Cancer - September

    Black

    • Skin Cancer - May
    • Narcolepsy

    White

    • Lung Cancer - November

    Why Awareness Colors Matter

    To those of us that live with chronic illness, these ribbon colors mean so much more than some kind of symbol. It speaks of our journey, our struggles, and the battles we are still fighting. Wearing your ribbon color is one way to say, "I'm part of something bigger. I am not in this alone." In some respects, it may help bring visibility for the conditions, create a time and place for conversation about it, and even connect us to someone else who 'gets' what we're facing.

    BeWell's Feel Good Totes: Represent Your Journey

    At BeWell, we know how much these awareness colors mean to you. That is why we provide different colored options for our Feel Good Totes so that you can carry something really representing your personal story. Whether it be purple for lupus, orange for MS, or teal for PCOS, we have a tote that speaks to your journey.

    Our Feel Good Totes aren't just functional, but a reminder you're part of a community that gets it. With plenty of space for everything from medications to snacks, to your favorite comfort items, these totes are perfect for those hospital visits, infusion days, or just a day out when you need a little extra support.

    Conclusion: Wearing Your Ribbon with Pride

    But again, wearing an awareness ribbon is not about the color; it's making visible your journey, showing the world what you fight for. Whether raising awareness for a condition you live with, standing by a loved one, or calling for more research and understanding, that ribbon means something special to you, and that ribbon means something special to everyone in our community.

    They remind us that at the end of the day, we are all in this together, fighting our battles and supporting one another. So, wear the ribbon proudly—it is not just a symbol but a sign of strength, courage, and resilience.

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