
Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day 2024
20 October 2024 will be the seventh annual International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day.
Our SpotOurSpots campaign and Awareness Day raises awareness of the need for more accurate diagnostics, better treatments, further investments in research and builds hope for mast cell disease patients all over Australia of a brighter, healthier future.
In 2024, The Australasian Mastocytosis Society (TAMS) is partnering with landmarks to light up purple (the international colour for Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome).
Additionally, in 2024, we invite our members and friends to join forces in covering our TAMS Facebook and Instagram pages in purple in honour of the 7th International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day with our new “SpotOurSpots: Bring colour to mast cell disease awareness 2024” campaign.

We encourage everybody to join and support us in the commemoration of this day, together we can make the difference.
Feel free to share TAMS Awareness Day social media post to all of your friends – check out the TAMS public Facebook page and Instagram to share.
Be sure to use the hashtag #SpotOurSpots and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
UPCOMING EVENT
DATE OF EVENT
20 October 2024
ADDRESS OF EVENT
100+ landmarks across Australia and New Zealand
#SpotOurSpots lighting up in October 2024
Where you can #SpotOurSpots in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
The Australiasian Mastocytosis Society (TAMS) would like to thank the generosity of the following landmarks for changing their colours, free of charge, to help raise awareness about Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
We encourage people to safely take photos of themselves at/near these places and post them on social media with the hashtag #SpotOurSpots to help raise awareness. You can also email them to info@mastocytosis.org.au for us to share.
Australian Capital Territory
- Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre – with thanks to The National Science and Technology Centre (17 – 31 Oct)
- Old Parliament House (The Museum of Australian Democracy) – with thanks to the National Capital Authority (20 Oct)
- The Royal Australian Mint (20 Oct)
- Light Rail (all stops) – with thanks to Transport Canberra and City Services and Canberra Metro Operations: CMET (20 & 21 Oct)
- Telstra Tower – with thanks to Telstra (20 & 21 Oct)
- Shine Dome – Australian Academy of Science (20 & 21 Oct)
- Kings Avenue Bridge – with thanks to the National Capital Authority (20 Oct)
- Bowen Place Overpass – with thanks to the National Capital Authority (20 Oct)
- Ian Potter House – with thanks to the National Capital Authority (20 Oct)
- The National Archives (20 Oct)
- The Canberra Times Fountain – with thanks to Transport Canberra and City Services (20 & 21 Oct)
- Malcolm Fraser Bridge – with thanks to Transport Canberra and City Services (20 & 21 Oct)
- John Gorton Building – with thanks to Transport Canberra and City Services (20 Oct)
- National Carillion with thanks to the National Capital Authority (20 Oct)
New South Wales
- Newcastle City Hall Clock Tower – with thanks to the City of Newcastle (20 Oct)
- Sydney Olympic Park Accor Stadium – with thanks to the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (18 Oct)
- Sydney Olympic Boulevard Light Towers – with thanks to the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (18 Oct)
- Forbes Town Hall – with thanks to the Forbes Shire Council (20 Oct)
- City Beach Function Centre, Wollongong – with thanks to the City Beach Function Centre (20 & 21 Oct)
- AEC Theatre – with thanks to Albury City (20 & 21 Oct)
- The Goulburn Visitors Information Centre – with thanks to the Goulburn Mulwaree Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- The Glasshouse Port Macquarie – with thanks to the Glasshouse and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (20 Oct)
- Port Macquarie Town Square – with thanks to the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (20 Oct)
Northern Territory
- Palmerston Water Tower – with thanks to the City of Palmerston (21 – 23 Oct)
- Frances Drive Light Pole – with thanks to the City of Palmerston (21 – 23 Oct)
- Katherine Town Council Civic Centre – with thanks to the Katherine Town Council (21 – 22 Oct)
- Palmerston Library – with thanks to the City of Palmerston (20 Oct)
- Darwin Civic Centre – with thanks to the City of Darwin (21 Oct)
Queensland
- Sandgate Town Hall – with thanks to Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- Victoria Bridge – with thanks to Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- Reddacliff Place sculptures Donna Marcus: Steam 2006 – with thanks to Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- Tropical Dome at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha – with thanks to Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- Breakfast Creek Bridge – with thanks to the Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- Wickham Terrace Car Park Architectural Wall – with thanks to Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- Story Bridge – with thanks to Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- Logan City Council Administration Centre – with thanks to City of Logan (20 Oct)
- Jacaranda Tower – with thanks to the City of Logan (20 Oct)
- Telfer Water Tower – with thanks to the City of Logan (20 Oct)
- Wineglass Water Tower – with thanks to the City of Logan (20 Oct)
- Brisbane City Hall – with thanks to Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- King George Square – with thanks to Brisbane City Council (21 Oct)
- Longreach Water Tower – with thanks to the Longreach Regional Council (20 Oct)
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre (20 & 21 Oct)
- Kurilpa Bridge, South Brisbane – with thanks to the Department of Public Works (20 Oct)
- Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building – with thanks to Mackay Regional Council (20 Oct)
- Flinders Square – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Centenary Fountain (The Strand) – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Townsville sign – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Victoria Bridge – with thanks to the City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Wharton Reef Lighthouse – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- George Roberts Bridge – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Old Magistrates Court House – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Central Park Boardwalk – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Little Fletcher Bridge – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Elderslie Street, Winton – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- The Winton Water Tower – with thanks to City of Townsville (20 & 21 Oct)
- Yeppoon Amphitheatre – with thanks to Livingstone Shire Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- Wreck Point Lookout – with thanks to Livingstone Shire Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- The Singing Ship – with thanks to Livingstone Shire Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- Keppel Sands Foreshore – with thanks to Livingstone Shire Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- Caboolture Administration Building – with thanks to Moreton Bay Council (28 – 31 Oct)
- Petrie Redcliffe Administration Building – with thanks to Moreton Bay Council (28 – 31 Oct)
- Caboolture Humpybong Creek Fountain – with thanks to Moreton Bay Council (28 – 31 Oct)
- Redcliffe Scarborough seat located under the tree at Scarborough Beach Park – with thanks to Moreton Bay Council (28 – 31 Oct)
- Big Rig Tower – with thanks to Maranoa Regional Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- Roma Tree Walk – with thanks to Maranoa Regional Council (20 & 21 Oct)
South Australia
- Parliament House – with thanks to Parliament of South Australia (20 Oct)
- Riverbank Footbridge – with thanks to Department for Infrastructure and Transport – South Australia (20 & 21 Oct)
- Unley Town Hall – with thanks to the City of Unley (18 – 20 Oct)
- Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre – with thanks to the City of Mount Gambier (23 & 24 Oct)
- Mount Gambier Lady Nelson Visitors Centre – with thanks to the City of Mount Gambier (23 & 24 Oct)
Tasmania
- Wrest Point – with thanks to Wrest Point Casino and Hotel (21 Oct)
- Tasman Bridge – with thanks to Tasmanian Government (20 Oct)
Victoria
- Old Treasury Building (21 Oct)
- AAMI Park – with thanks to the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust (21 Oct)
- Melbourne Town Hall – with thanks to the City of Melbourne (20 & 21 Oct)
- Town Hall Broadmeadows (Light Cube) – with thanks to the Hume City Council (21 Oct)
- The Drum Theatre – with thanks to the City of Greater Dandenong (20 & 21 Oct)
- CityLink Sound Tube – with thanks to Transurban (20 Oct)
- Bolte Bridge – with thanks to Transurban (20 Oct)
- Monash Park Tree – with thanks to Greater Shepparton City Council (20 Oct)
- Mooroopna Water Tower – with thanks to Greater Shepparton City Council (20 Oct)
- Riverlinks Eastbank – with thanks to Greater Shepparton City Council (20 Oct)
- Victoria Park Lake – with thanks to Greater Shepparton City Council (20 Oct)
Western Australia
- Mandurah Bridge – with thanks to the City of Mandurah (20 Oct)
- Perth Concert Hall (21 & 22 Oct)
- East Perth Power Station – with thanks to DevelopmentWA (20 & 21 Oct)
- Matagarup Bridge – with thanks to Mainroad WA (20 & 21 Oct)
- Joondalup Drive – with thanks to Mainroad WA (20 & 21 Oct)
- Mounts Street Bridge – with thanks to Mainroad WA (20 & 21 Oct)
- Sky Ribbon– with thanks to Mainroad WA (20 & 21 Oct)
- Northbridge Tunnel – with thanks to Mainroad WA (20 & 21 Oct)
- Graham Farmer Freeway Tunnel – with thanks to Mainroad WA (20 & 21 Oct)
- Kings Park – with thanks to the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions and Kings Park Botanic Garden (20 & 21 Oct)
- The Bell Tower (20 & 21 Oct)
- Elizabeth Quay – with thanks to CBRE and Development WA (21 & 22 Oct)
- Yagan Square – with thanks to CBRE and Development WA (21 & 22 Oct)
- Queens Park Theatre – with thanks to City of Greater Geraldton (21 Oct)
- Trafalgar Bridge – with thanks to City of Perth (20 & 21 Oct)
- Council House – with thanks to City of Perth (20 & 21 Oct)
- Perth Town Hall – with thanks to City of Perth (20 & 21 Oct)
- Perth Station – with thanks to the Public Transport Authority (20 & 21 Oct)
- Red Earth Arts Precinct – with thanks to City of Karratha (20 & 21 Oct)
- His Majesty’s Theatre – with thanks to the Arts and Culture Trust WA (20 Oct)
- Brockman Street – with thanks to Shire of Manjimup (20 Oct)
- Albany Town Square – with thanks to the City of Albany (20 & 21 Oct)
- Alison Hartman Gardens – with thanks to the City of Albany (20 & 21 Oct)
- R’Ham Foreshore – with thanks to City of Rockingham (20 & 21 Oct)
Aotearoa New Zealand
- Feldwick Gates – with thanks to the Invercargill City Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- Gala Street Fountain – with thanks to the Invercargill City Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- The Queen’s Park Band Rotunda – with thanks to the Invercargill City Council (20 & 21 Oct)
- Eden Park – with thanks to The Eden Park Trust (20 & 21 Oct)
Disclaimer
Due to unforeseen circumstances, some buildings may change their plans without notification. TAMS tries to make sure all information on this website, and the details of buildings lighting up are correct. We try to verify and confirm as much as possible, but are not responsible for incorrect information.
Current as at 11 October 2024.
#SpotOurSpots: Bring colour to mast cell disease awareness 2024
Welcome to the 2024 #SpotOurSpots campaign, where we invite our cherished members and friends to join forces in covering our TAMS Facebook and Instagram pages in purple in honour of the 7th International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day. An initiative dedicated to amplifying recognition, awareness, and support for individuals living with mast cell diseases and their loved ones.
This year, for the second year we’re turning the spotlight onto our community, asking that you all step up to be agents of change in this year’s #SpotOurSpots campaign.
Following the event, TAMS will compile a gallery of your crafted contributions and activities infused with vibrant shades of purple, replacing the original generic and monochromatic images we shared. Our slideshow will stand as a testament to our collective journey, not just as TAMS, or as patients and caregivers, but as individuals brimming with skills, creativity, and passion: living with mast cell diseases, not defined by them.
Your contributions to this campaign will enable TAMS to sustain the momentum of raising awareness within our community, not just on Awareness Day, but throughout the year.
Let’s work together to harness the power of our creativity and elevate the #SpotOurSpots campaign beyond our light up initiative to one that represents the reason for our cause, being the unique, resilient, diversely talented, creative, passionate individuals that make up our rare, but important community.
How to participate in Awareness Day
Be part of the movement that illuminates the path to understanding and awareness of Mast Cell Diseases on International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day 2024.
For those needing a little inspiration TAMS has compiled some crafts we’d love to see or members and friends turn into hope-inspiring purple and awareness day themed creations.
- Snap a photo of yourself (or a group-shot!) dressed in purple clothes or spots.
- Use your LEDs, colour-changing globes, a projector, or cellophane to make your house glow purple.
- Knit something with purple, pink and white yarn or wool, or add spots to a design.
- Make origami (like a wishing crane) using purple paper, or start with white paper and colour it in.
- Make a beaded purple, pink and white door frame or wall hanging, some jewellery, or a keychain.
- Create a drawing of your own, or colour in an existing one (like the TAMS Quoll)
- Make some textile art using cross stitch, embroidery, felting, quilting, crocheting, amigurumi, or needle punch.
- Make an awareness collage or scrapbook up a purple storm.
- Create a mast cell-inspired paper quilling.
- Paint something on a canvas using watercolours, acrylics, or oils. Or try colouring outside the lines by using rocks or a window as your canvas!
- Create an Awareness Day-themed artwork on a digital medium.
- Baking and dessert decoration (sugar cookies, cake-pops or cakes etc)
- Host your tabletop role-playing game “one-shot” that pitches players against a giant mast cell and its mediator minions (included).
- Write an awareness poem, short story or recipe (purple, low histamine, etc.)
- Make some cell art with resin – from petrie to pretty.
- Craft a clay creation, like something made of ceramics or pottery.
- October Jack-O-Lanterns with a #SpotOurSpots twist! Maybe paint yours purple or spotty, or carve a mast cell design to shine your light through.
- Make media using TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Share-friendly content, including wording, is available on TAMS and the International Awareness Day Facebook page. Please ensure you’re either sharing TAMS information or speaking about your experiences please 🙂
Activities with children
For families with younger children we’ve compiled a few simple ways to be involved with the help of little hands.
- Make purple or spotty hand and footprint paintings
- Use spare bubble wrap to create a mast cell masterpiece!
- Use tissue paper and glue, or contact paper to create a fun suncatcher that looks like mast cells!
- Try a completely mess free purple, pink and white finger painting activity
- Recycle some used plastic wrap or an old zip-top bag to create something spotty.
- Try making teenie-tiny art work to clip on your pencil case or school bag (Tip: We think TAMS Spotted Quoll would shrink really well!)
- Use pipe cleaners, pom-poms, and felt to make a ‘mastie’ finger puppet. (Hint: pipe cleaners can have you seeing purple, or with some sneeze-free flowers too!)
- Let your neighbourhood know it’s your Awareness Day by adding chalk art to your driveway for the day. Remember to snap a pic so the rain can’t wash your art away!
- Create a montessori activity with purple or spotty themes.
- Create some funking purple art by painting with string!
- Make some air dry clay and create something clever with it to keep forever!
- Use hama/perler beads to make something spotty for your wall, window or door.
- Create your own free kid-friendly word search about awareness or and mast cell diseases for family and friends to complete. (E.g. kid-friendly mast cell word search)
- Make a #SpotOurSpots join-the-dots of any image.
- Make a purple, pink and white dream catcher.
- Use water, food colour and glitter to make an interactive magic mast cell globe. (Alternative: keep it looking cool from a distance by adding cotton wool.)
- Make a papier-mâché mast cell galaxy
- Make some super simple purple, white and pink pom-pom mast cells with cardboard and yarn.
Tween/teen activity suggestions
Below are suggestions for tweens, teens and their families. While some of the crafts are similar, don’t be fooled, they require “levelled up” skills!
- Make a word search (e.g. #SpotOurSpots word search)
- See if you can make some mast cell shirts or bedsheets with crumple tie dye
- Make a purple slime, or some “crunchy slime” filled with spots.
- Have a purple or spotty Pyjama party, with purple themed snacks and movies (we’re thinking Willy Wonka, Home,Vivo, Purple People Eater, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken!)
- Make some awareness day inspired nail string art
- Make a purple pink and white dream catcher
- Make mast cell with acrylic pour art or permanent markers and isopropyl alcohol
- Do a mast cell quiz or make your own (E.g. TAMS 2023 #SpotOurSpots Mast Cell Quiz)
- Make a beaded purple, pink and white door frame or wall hanging, jewellery, keychains, etc)
- Make a purple masterpiece out of diamond art
- Create a faux stain glass window design


