Three prominent landmarks in Gimli will be illuminated in red and blue next month to raise awareness about a rare and often underdiagnosed vascular disease.
On May 8, the community’s Viking statue, T-33 jet and municipal office will be lit for the first time in support of Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) Awareness Month.
The initiative is being led locally by Julie Vogelsang, a volunteer with the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America, who says the display is both a public education effort and a deeply personal milestone.
“In April 2022, my life changed forever,” Vogelsang said, recalling her diagnosis with a severe form of FMD affecting four arteries in her neck. “It’s a rare, incurable cardiovascular disease that I’m still learning to navigate and face with courage.”
Her diagnosis came unexpectedly during testing for another condition.
“In 2022, I was referred to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto for a separate medical issue, and it was during an MRI that FMD was discovered,” she said.
Since then, daily life has required careful adjustments.
“I have to constantly monitor my activities and risk factors — no straining, no extreme neck positions, no contact sports, and avoiding anything that could raise my blood pressure, like heavy lifting, caffeine, alcohol or extreme temperatures,” she said.
FMD is a condition that causes abnormal cell growth in the walls of arteries, leading to narrowing, tearing or enlargement of the vessels. It most commonly affects women and can have serious consequences if left undiagnosed.
Health impacts linked to the disease can include arterial dissections, aneurysms, stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIA), spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), high blood pressure and chronic headaches or migraines. Some patients also experience pulsatile tinnitus — a rhythmic sound often described as hearing one’s heartbeat.
Despite its potential severity, awareness of FMD remains limited.
Researchers believe many cases go undiagnosed due to a lack of public and clinical familiarity with the condition, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Vogelsang said increasing awareness is critical to improving outcomes.
“Awareness and early diagnosis can help reduce the risks of stroke or artery dissection,” she said. “It can take years for someone to receive a diagnosis after their first symptoms, so education — especially among health-care providers — is key to improving care and quality of life.”
She added that symptoms can vary but often include high blood pressure, migraines, dizziness, neck pain and pulsatile tinnitus.
FMD is also frequently misdiagnosed.
“It’s often mistaken for vertigo, anxiety or hypertension,” Vogelsang said. “That’s why it’s so important for people to advocate for themselves and seek out specialists familiar with vascular diseases.”
For those experiencing symptoms, she encourages early action and education.
“Seek medical evaluation and learn the warning signs of stroke or artery dissection — things like sudden severe headaches, vision changes, weakness or trouble speaking,” she said. “A head-to-pelvis CT scan is important because FMD can affect multiple arteries.”
While the diagnosis can be overwhelming, Vogelsang said there is reason for hope.
“Most people with FMD learn to manage their symptoms and live a normal lifespan,” she said. “It’s highly manageable with medication, and the focus is on preventing complications and maintaining quality of life.”
That sense of hope is reflected in the upcoming landmark illumination.
“Personally, the illumination of these Gimli landmarks gives me hope,” she said. “It gives me hope that the private daily struggle of FMD becomes better known and leads to improved diagnosis and support.”
She said the initiative also creates a sense of connection.
“I feel a little less alone seeing these landmarks lit up and knowing there are others out there navigating this disease,” Vogelsang said. “Across the country, people are working to raise awareness, and that makes you feel part of something bigger.”
Vogelsang said community support plays an important role in that effort.
“People can help by starting conversations, sharing stories and learning more about FMD,” she said. “Education is key, especially since many family doctors may not immediately recognize the condition.”
The colour choices — blue and red — align with international awareness efforts tied to the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America.
The RM of Gimli says supporting the initiative was a natural fit.
“The RM of Gimli was pleased to support this initiative in recognition that Fibromuscular Dysplasia is serious and that awareness plays a critical role in early diagnosis, treatment, and support,” said Christine Payne, manager of community engagement. “Council recognized that illuminating our community landmarks is a meaningful way to stand with those affected by FMD and to help bring visibility to an important health issue that impacts individuals, families and communities everywhere.”
Payne said municipalities have an important role to play in awareness efforts.
“Participating in awareness campaigns is an important part of being a caring, inclusive and responsive community,” she said. “By participating in initiatives like this, the RM of Gimli is demonstrating compassion, solidarity and a strong commitment to community well-being.”
On May 8, the Viking statue will be illuminated in blue, the T-33 jet in red, and the municipal office in both colours, with RM staff coordinating the effort.
“These well-known landmarks will serve as visible symbols of support throughout the evening, helping to spark conversation and raise awareness within the community and beyond,” Payne said.
She added the initiative carries added meaning given its local roots.
“Council was grateful for the advocacy and commitment shown by Julie Vogelsang and is proud to support residents who inspire awareness, understanding, and positive change,” Payne said.
The municipality hopes the display leaves a lasting impression.
“We hope residents take away a message of awareness, understanding, and compassion,” Payne said. “It also reflects Gimli’s values as a community that shows up for one another.”
Gimli’s participation builds on a growing national movement. In recent years, landmarks across Canada — including the Winnipeg sign, Esplanade Riel, Toronto’s CN Tower and BC Place in Vancouver — have been illuminated for FMD awareness.
May is recognized internationally as Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month, with advocacy groups encouraging education, early detection and support for those living with the disease.
More information about FMD and support resources is available through the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America or by contacting Vogelsang locally.
