When you see an orange ribbon or a butterfly symbol, you might not immediately think of multiple sclerosis (MS). Yet, these symbols play a powerful role in raising awareness, sparking conversations, and building a sense of community among people affected by MS.

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind MS ribbons and butterflies, and why these symbols matter so much for advocacy, understanding, and hope. We’ll also discuss specific MS awareness events and how to get involved.

Raising Awareness With the MS Ribbon and Symbol

Two symbols were chosen by the MS community to represent the condition and raise awareness — the MS ribbon and the MS butterfly. These symbols can be worn, shared online, or displayed in many ways to help those with the condition feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood.

The MS Ribbon

Many people are familiar with the pink ribbon that represents breast cancer or the yellow ribbon for cancer awareness. MS, like many conditions such as cerebral palsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Alzheimer’s disease, has its own awareness ribbon.

The MS awareness ribbon is bright orange, and while it shares the ribbon color with other diseases (including leukemia, kidney cancer, melanoma, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), those living with MS proudly display the ribbon because of what it represents to them.

One MyMSTeam member shared that they used their Christmas light display to support awareness both for their MS and their son’s Angelman syndrome. The display featured an orange ribbon and a blue ribbon side by side, with the word “hope” between them, covered in lights.

Another member said that they honored MS Awareness Month by painting an orange awareness ribbon design onto their nails with polish. Others have expressed their support by:

• Sharing photos on social media
• Wearing jewelry charms with the ribbon
• Getting tattoos

Each of these personal expressions helps those with MS and their loved ones bring attention to the experiences of the MS community.

The MS Symbol: A Butterfly

The orange butterfly, entwined with an orange ribbon, has become another popular symbol of MS. While it may be less well known than the MS orange ribbon, it’s just as important for many in the MS community.

One MyMSTeam member asked others how — and why — the MS community chose the butterfly symbol. Another member replied that it was chosen because the caterpillar-to-butterfly cycle symbolizes life changes. “They are considered a symbol of life transformation,” the member wrote.

For some people in the MS community, the butterfly represents how they’ve transformed their lives for the better after diagnosis. One member shared a different take. “It is a sign of HOPE,” they shared.

Another member pointed out that MRI brain scans resemble butterfly shapes, which further connects the symbol to MS.

“It is a sign of HOPE.”

— A MyMSTeam member about the MS butterfly symbol

You can find the butterfly logo on T-shirts, jewelry, stickers, and many other items. These forms of expression can help you and your allies raise multiple sclerosis awareness and bring attention to the MS community.

MS Tattoos

While tattoos aren’t for everyone, some MyMSTeam members have chosen to get them to show their commitment to MS awareness. “Today I had my six-month visit to my neuro. The only changes are improvements. Lesions have shrunk and faded. I’m so happy I got the MS awareness ribbon tattooed within the word ‘hope,’” a member wrote.

Another member said, “I got my first tattoo. It’s an MS ribbon butterfly. I’m not letting the MS beat me, I’m going to beat the MS!”

Someone else shared, “Getting matching MS ribbon tattoos with my mom. I’m really grateful for my mom and all her support :).”

Specific Events for MS Awareness

Increasing awareness of MS helps others become more familiar with the condition and how it affects those living with it. While you can spread MS awareness every day, there are some specific events dedicated to the cause.

World MS Day

World MS Day takes place on May 30 every year. It was established in 2009 by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation to represent the 2.8 million individuals living with multiple sclerosis worldwide. Its goal is to raise awareness internationally about the experiences of people living with MS, as well as their caregivers, healthcare providers, and families.

Since its founding, this special awareness day has spread its message to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The event has hosted yearly campaigns, such as the My MS Diagnosis campaign, to help ensure that MS is diagnosed early and accurately. This includes training medical professionals, supporting MS research, and advocating for new standards for diagnosis.

To get involved, search online for local events around World MS Day that may be happening near you. You can use the World MS Day map to find different resources and activities that take place worldwide to help raise awareness of the condition. You can also write a post on MyMSTeam to ask other team members what they are doing to get involved.

MS Awareness Week

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society sponsors an MS Awareness Week each spring. In 2025, they collected stories from people living with MS. The purpose of the awareness week is to raise awareness and build community among those living with MS.

MS Education and Awareness Month

MS Focus: Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, along with other organizations, spearheads National MS Education and Awareness Month each March in the U.S. This nationwide event promotes education about MS and helps people living with the disease make informed decisions about their health.

Why MS Awareness Matters

Awareness is important because it benefits both those living with MS and those who aren’t directly affected by the disease.

For the millions of people living with MS, outreach and education on their condition can help them feel acknowledged and accepted by others. Raising awareness has helped put MS in the public eye and fight the stigma that can arise when a condition is misunderstood or even feared.

Awareness can also help those with MS feel like they aren’t alone, which can be important for their mental health. Hearing other people share their MS stories — the struggles they’ve faced before and after their diagnoses, and how they’ve overcome them — can be uplifting and empowering. Greater awareness of MS also helps make the disease more real and understandable for those who don’t live with MS.

Hearing other people’s MS stories — the struggles they’ve faced before and after their diagnoses, and how they’ve overcome them — can be uplifting and empowering.

Raising awareness helps shine a light on the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of MS. It also encourages others to take action as they show support in the battle against MS — whether by supporting treatment, promoting understanding, or, ultimately, working toward a cure.

Join the Conversation

On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with MS, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you participated in any special events for MS awareness? Do you wear or display the orange ribbon or butterfly? Let others know in a comment below.