World AS Day 2026

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Advocacy Resources, Resources, Special Advocacy Days, World AS Day | 0 comments

World AS Day Email Banner
CTA Button for AxSpA Guidebook
World AS Day 2023 - Back Pain Quiz Button
World AS Day 2023 - Back Pain Quiz Button
World AS Day 2023 - Membership Button

AxSpA Pathogenesis and Early Stages of Diagnosis – Dr. Nigil Haroon

AxSpA Treatment & Recent Advances – Dr. Robert Inman

This year’s World AS Day theme, Not Only Back Pain, highlights an important truth about axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): it is far more than a condition affecting the spine. While persistent back pain is often the most recognized symptom, axSpA is a complex, inflammatory disease that can impact the entire body, including the joints, eyes, skin, and gut. Many of its symptoms, such as fatigue, stiffness, and flare-ups, are invisible, yet they significantly affect daily life.

Through this year’s campaign, the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association invites individuals to “walk with” those living with axSpA, listening to real experiences, increasing understanding, and helping to drive earlier diagnosis and better care. By seeing the full picture, we can move beyond misconceptions and build a more informed, supportive community.
Join the CSA

#LaceUpForAxSpA 

Small tasks like tying your shoes can be big challenges for people living with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). This World AS Day, help raise awareness by taking a photo or video of yourself lacing up – bonus points if they’re orange laces! 

Post your photo or video using #WorldASDay2026 and #LaceUpForAxSpA to show support for those affected. Share your personal connection to AxSpA and help educate others about this often-overlooked condition. 

Let’s make invisible struggles visible

Would you like to tell your story?

Your story can help others feel seen and understood.

By sharing your journey, you can help show the real impact of axSpA and why it is not only back pain. Help show that axSpA is more than back pain by sharing how it affects your daily life.

Capture your experience in your own words in a short video and share what living with axSpA really means to you.

Share your video on social media and/or send it to ASIF and they will share it for you! Send videos to: contact@asif.info.

Download the storytelling toolkit

Let’s Get Loud for A.S.

Michael Santillo’s annual gala serves as a platform to raise funds for axSpA research, support programs, and community initiatives. Each year, Michael and his team work tirelessly to organize an unforgettable evening. More than just a fundraiser, the gala is a celebration of resilience, hope, and solidarity.  

This annual gala has not only raised awareness about axSpA but has also inspired countless individuals to speak up, seek support, and embrace hope in the face of adversity. 

Learn More

Illuminated Landmarks

Landmark Illumination banner for World AS Day

On May 2nd, several landmarks across Canada will be illuminated in our new colors of Green and Orange in honour of World AS Day! Look out for your local landmarks, and share your picture with us on Instagram or our TikTok Account (@MySpondyLife) with the #IlluminateSpA 

Participating Landmarks Include:

Ottawa, ON: CN Tower
Calgary, AB: Calgary Tower and Telus Spark Science Centre
Lethbridge, AB: Sails of Light at Canada Place and Science World
Saskatoon, SK: The Prairie Wind Monument
Vancouver, BC: Sails of Light at Canada Place and Science World
Winnipeg, MB: Winnipeg Sign & Esplanade Riel
St. John’s, NL: St. John’s City Hall

Donate