Bayview Bridge among many landmarks to shine light Friday on Fragile X syndrome

QUINCY — Quincy’s Bayview Bridge joins more than 350 buildings around the world to shine a light on Fragile X syndrome for World Fragile X Day on Friday, July 22. The event is part of the FRAXA Research Foundation initiative World Fragile X Day.

“This year we are joined by 13 sponsors and 19 partners who have been working with volunteers to secure lighting of buildings, landmarks, and businesses to raise awareness and highlight the progress of Fragile X research.” Holly Roos, FRAXA’s director of community affairs, said in a press release.

International landmarks include:

• Niagara Falls (US/Canada)
• Melbourne Cricket Club (Australia)
• the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel (Austria)
• Jardim Botânico Greenhouse (Brazil)
• Tierra del Fuego (Chile)
• Koldinghus (Denmark)
• Tbilisi TV Tower (Georgia)
• AIPL Joy Street Bridge (India)
• Rock of Cashel (Ireland)
• Douglas Promenade (Isle of Man)
• Michael Fowler Centre (New Zealand)
• Cascais City Hall (Portugal)
• Leeds City Museum (UK)
• Sunshine Skyway Bridge (US)

A full list of landmarks can be found at www.worldfragilexday.com.

Other Illinois landmarks lighting up are:

• Bloomingdale Village Hall Sign
• Grossinger Motors Arena, Bloomington
• State Farm Center, Champaign-Urbana
• 875 North Michigan Ave, Chicago
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois, Chicago
• One Two Pru, Chicago
• The Wrigley Building, Chicago
• 540 West Madison, Chicago
• Arlee Theater, Mason City

Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities. It affects 1 in 4,000 boys and 1 in 8,000 girls worldwide. Fragile X syndrome occurs when a single gene on the X chromosome shuts down. This gene makes a protein needed for normal brain development. In FXS it does not work properly, the protein is not made and the brain does not develop as it should.

FRAXA Research Foundation’s mission is to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Fragile X syndrome. FRAXA directly funds research grants and fellowships at top universities around the world. They partner with biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, large and small, to bridge the gap between research discoveries and actual treatments.

Treatments for Fragile X are likely to help people affected by autism, Alzheimer’s, and other brain disorders.

World Fragile X Day is held July 22 each year. At home, people can participate by wearing teal.