In observance of Chiari Awareness Month, the City of Savannah will illuminate City Hall in purple beginning at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Chiari Awareness Month was created to raise awareness of Chiari malformation (CM), a neurological condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal applying pressure on both the spine and nerves. It can cause several symptoms including headaches, muscle weakness, and more.  

Chiari affects over 300,000 people in the United States. It was first identified by Austrian pathologist Professor Hans Chiari in the 1890s. Chiari Awareness Month is celebrated worldwide. Landmarks across the world are lit up purple to draw awareness to the chronic condition, celebrate resilience, and support those who suffer from the illness.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health is conducting research to find alternative surgical options and identify causes and improve treatment plans. The Bobby Jones Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation is the only foundation who fund research of the condition and leads the global mission to raise awareness and search for a cure.

Earlier this year, the City of Savannah completed the first phase of the City Hall Restoration Project. The project is the first major restoration of the historic building’s interior since it opened in 1906. During the first phase of the restoration project, the building’s exterior lighting was upgraded with a permanent system that allows staff to illuminate the building in celebration of holidays and special events.

City Hall will be illuminated with colors to celebrate and honor holidays based on a pre-determined annual calendar. Additionally, City Hall will be illuminated at the request of organizations or to raise public awareness of an impactful cause.

The Information and Public Affairs Service Center will lead a new initiative to manage a calendar and requests of special lighting events. A public-facing application for organizations to request special lighting of the building will be available in the near future. More information regarding the project will be announced to the public when available. 

Residents and visitors are invited to take selfies with City Hall on Sept. 27, post on social media using the hashtag #ChiariAwarenessMonth and tag the City’s official social media channels.