SAVE THE DATE: Sunflower Day is held annually on 23 March 

Sunflower Day is a national day of awareness, hope, and action for people living with scleroderma – and for the families, carers, and healthcare professionals who support them every day.

Sunflower Day is an initiative of Scleroderma Australia, created to shine a light on a rare and often misunderstood condition while raising crucial funds to support Australians living with scleroderma through specialist care.

Held annually on 23 March, Sunflower Day brings the community together to create visibility, understanding, and real change.

What Is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, (and meaning “hard skin”), is a rare, chronic autoimmune condition that affects the body’s connective tissue.

It causes the skin to harden and thicken and can also damage vital internal organs, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive system.

Scleroderma can dramatically reduce life expectancy – by more than 20 years – and there is currently no cure.

Why Sunflower Day?

The sunflower is the symbol of the scleroderma community, representing:

  •  Hope
  •  Strength
  • Resilience

Just as sunflowers turn towards the light, people living with scleroderma continue to seek hope, understanding, and support in their daily lives.

National Sunflower Day – now held on 23 March – is dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds to improve care for people affected by scleroderma. 

Why Scleroderma Specialist Nurses Are So Important

Living with scleroderma is complex, unpredictable, and often overwhelming. Many people face multiple symptoms, frequent medical appointments, and uncertainty about treatment and daily life.

Scleroderma Specialist Nurses provide a vital lifeline by:

  • Coordinating care across different medical specialists
  • Offering expert advice on symptoms, treatment options, and side effects
  • Supporting wound care, pain management, and fatigue
  • Providing emotional reassurance and someone who truly understands the condition
  • Helping patients and families navigate the healthcare system

Unlike other conditions, many people with scleroderma do not have access to dedicated nursing support. Sunflower Day helps change this by funding specialist nurses who deliver personalised, ongoing care – improving quality of life and reducing isolation.

Why Shine Like a Sunflower?

Our “Shine Like a Sunflower” campaign lights up Australia in vibrant yellow on 23 March, symbolising hope, visibility, and the urgent need for better care and support.

By illuminating landmarks, homes, trees, and businesses across the country, we aim to:

  • Increase awareness: Scleroderma is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood
  • Fund vital care: Supporting Scleroderma Specialist Nurses who provide essential guidance and care

How You Can Shine a Light on 23 March

On Sunflower Day – 23 March, you can:

  • Donate to help fund Scleroderma Specialist Nurses. Donate Now.
  • Fundraise in your community or workplace
  • Volunteer your time or skills. Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved
  • Light up your home or business in yellow
  • Share Sunflower Day, spread the word and start conversations about scleroderma
  • Visit our webpage for more ways to get involved and to download our media kit filled with resources to help spread the message

Every action helps shine a brighter light.

Together, We Can Change Lives

By supporting Sunflower Day on 23 March, you’re helping ensure people living with scleroderma receive the specialist care, understanding, and support they deserve.

Donate, fundraise, light up yellow, or share Sunflower Day – and help support the care that changes lives.

TLDR Summary

  • Scleroderma is a rare, serious autoimmune condition
  • Specialist nurses provide life-changing care and support
  • Funds raised on Sunflower Day help make this care possible