Six prominent Chicago skyscrapers are set to bathe the city skyline in purple on September 19, 2026. The coordinated lighting will mark Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, an annual observance that draws attention to the loss of unborn children.
The illumination effort is being led by a Chicago couple who have experienced the stillbirth of their son, James. Their personal loss has motivated them to use the city's most visible structures as a platform for remembrance and public education. By selecting the color purple, the organizers align with the established symbol for stillbirth awareness, creating a visual cue that can be seen by residents and visitors alike.
The six buildings chosen for the display span multiple districts, ensuring that the purple glow will be visible from various points across the metropolitan area. The timing of the lighting coincides with the national date designated for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, which has been observed each year to foster dialogue, support families, and promote research aimed at reducing stillbirth rates.
Lighting landmarks has become a recognized method for raising awareness of health and social issues, from breast cancer to mental health. In Chicago, the tradition of illuminating towers in specific colors provides a high‑profile, low‑cost avenue to reach a broad audience. The purple illumination on September 19 will join other citywide initiatives that seek to inform the public about the emotional and medical dimensions of stillbirth.
Organizers hope that the striking visual display will encourage conversations in homes, schools, and workplaces, and that it will prompt individuals to seek resources for support and prevention. While the event does not disclose the names of the participating buildings, the coordinated effort underscores the community’s commitment to honoring the memory of stillborn infants, including James, and to advancing the cause of stillbirth prevention.
The purple lighting will be activated in the evening hours of September 19, offering a moment of collective reflection for Chicago’s residents as they look up at the illuminated skyline.