OCTOBER 14, 2023 — Cities around the world have been illuminated in blue as a show of support for people affected by brain tumors. This global initiative was launched in 2021 by filmmaker María de Kannon Clè and is supported by neurosurgeons Dr. Christian Brogna and Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa. Their respective nonprofit organizations, Brains Get Famous and Mission Brain, are leading efforts before the European Parliament and the United Nations to raise awareness of this disease and proclaim October 14 as the Global Day to Honor Brain Tumor Patients. According to an international study conducted by Brains Get Famous in collaboration with international research organizations, more than 400,000 cases of this serious disease are diagnosed every year. Once diagnosed, life expectancy is five years, and only 35.6% of those affected survive beyond this period. These figures decrease dramatically among children, as mortality is higher at an early age. Brain tumors are the second most common form of cancer among infants and young children. The first city in the world to illuminate a landmark was Málaga, whose City Hall was lit up in 2021. It was followed in 2022 by Madrid, through the Regional Government of Madrid; Mexico City; and Málaga once again. In 2023, Madrid, Málaga, and Mexico City repeated their illuminations, while Almería, Huelva, Seville, Terrassa, and Schoelcher in Martinique joined the initiative. Zaragoza and Rome also expressed their support through their city governments. In 2024, numerous cities around the world are expected to join this illumination initiative on October 14 in support of and solidarity with brain tumor patients. In addition to the cities mentioned above, Los Angeles, California; Chicago; Glasgow; Lisbon; the state of Chihuahua; and Acapulco are currently expected to participate. Today, we also want to celebrate with you that three friends of Brains Get Famous are defying survival expectations and shining a light of hope this October 14.