What is Wishbone Day?
Wishbone Day is the international day of awareness for Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as OI or brittle bones.
It is held each year on 6 May and is recognised around the world by individuals, families, communities, schools, health professionals and organisations who want to celebrate people with OI and increase understanding of what life with OI can look like.
At its heart, Wishbone Day is about people, voice, visibility and action.
It is not owned by one organisation. It is a global grassroots movement shaped by the people who take part.
When is Wishbone Day?
Wishbone Day is officially held on 6 May each year.
Some people and communities celebrate on the day itself. Others hold events, share stories, run activities or wear yellow during the week or month around 6 May. That is okay.
The date helps us connect globally, but participation can happen in whatever way works for your community.
Why yellow for Wishbone Day?
Yellow is the colour of Wishbone Day.
It was chosen because it is bright, bold and full of energy. It stands for visibility, optimism, celebration and connection. Wearing yellow, decorating with yellow, lighting buildings yellow or sharing yellow-themed images are simple ways people around the world show support for Wishbone Day.
Who can take part?
Everyone.
Wishbone Day is for people with OI, families, friends, schools, health professionals, community groups, disability services, hospitals, researchers, advocates and anyone who wants to help build understanding.
You do not need to be part of an organisation to take part.
You can participate as an individual, a family, a classroom, a workplace, a local group or a whole community.
How can I take part?
There are many ways to take part in Wishbone Day. You might:
- Wear yellow
- Share a story or photo
- Talk about OI in your school, workplace or community
- Host a yellow morning tea or gathering
- Create artwork, posters or displays
- Run an information session
- Light up a building or landmark yellow
- Share messages on social media using #WishboneDay
- Support local OI advocates and families
- Do something practical that improves inclusion, access or understanding
There is no one “right” way to take part. The best Wishbone Day actions are the ones that are meaningful, respectful and led by the people and communities involved.
Is Wishbone Day a fundraiser?
No. Wishbone Day was not created as a fundraiser.
Wishbone Day is an awareness and action movement. It exists to centre people with OI, challenge outdated ideas, and encourage communities to listen, learn and do something meaningful.
Some organisations may choose to fundraise as part of their own activities, but fundraising is not the purpose of Wishbone Day.
Is Wishbone Day run by an organisation?
No. Wishbone Day is a grassroots global movement.
It does not have paid staff, corporate sponsors or a formal central office. It has grown because individuals, families, advocates, communities and organisations around the world have chosen to take part.
This is part of what makes Wishbone Day powerful. It belongs to the people who show up, speak up and take action in their own communities.
Can organisations take part?
Yes. Organisations are welcome to take part.
The most important thing is to respect the purpose and spirit of Wishbone Day. That means centring people with OI, listening to lived experience, avoiding pity-based messaging, and using the recognised Wishbone Day colour and name.
Organisations should not use Wishbone Day simply as a fundraising opportunity or as a way to promote themselves. The focus should remain on people with OI and meaningful community action.
Why does Wishbone Day focus on awareness rather than fundraising?
Because awareness can change the way people think, speak and act.
For many people with OI, the biggest barriers are not only medical. They can also be social, physical, educational and attitudinal. Misunderstanding, overprotection, exclusion and low expectations all limit participation.
Wishbone Day asks people to look beyond bones and see whole lives: childhood, family, school, work, friendship, culture, creativity, leadership, independence and joy. Awareness matters when it leads to better understanding and better action.
What does “awareness into action” mean?
Awareness is only the beginning.
Awareness into action means asking: what can we actually do differently?
That might mean making a school more inclusive, improving access to a community event, listening to people with OI, challenging stereotypes, supporting families, changing policies, improving services, or making sure people with OI lead decisions that affect them.
Wishbone Day is not just about being seen. It is about being heard and respected.
Can schools take part?
Yes.
Schools are a wonderful place to recognise Wishbone Day.
Students and teachers might wear yellow, create posters, read stories, learn about disability rights, or talk about how to make classrooms, playgrounds and communities more accessible.
School activities should be respectful and age-appropriate. They should focus on understanding and respect rather than fear or pity.
Can we hold a local Wishbone Day event?
Yes.
Local events are encouraged. They can be small or large, formal or informal. You might organise a picnic, morning tea, school activity, community display, yellow dress day, art project, information session or online gathering.
Wishbone Day works best when local communities make it their own while staying connected to the shared global message.
Do we need permission to take part?
No.
You do not need permission to wear yellow, share a message, host a local activity or recognise Wishbone Day.
WIshbone Day grows because people take initiative.
Please use the day respectfully, and help others understand why Wishbone Day matters.
Can I use the Wishbone Day name and logo?
Yes.
Permission is freely granted to use the Wishbone Day name, brand and Wishy logo for non-commercial awareness purposes.
This means individuals, families, schools, community groups and organisations may use Wishbone Day materials to promote Wishbone Day and raise awareness of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, provided the use is respectful and not for profit.
Use of the Wishbone Day name, brand and logo is permitted on the basis that:
- it is used for Wishbone Day and OI awareness purposes only
- it is not used for commercial or profit-making purposes
- it is linked back to www.wishboneday.com
- the hashtag #WishboneDay is used where appropriate
- the meaning, purpose and spirit of Wishbone Day are respected
Who designed the Wishbone Day brand and logo?
The Wishbone Day brand and logo were designed by Dr Jo Ragen, who retains copyright.
The Wishy logo is part of the Wishbone Day identity. The Wishbone Day brand and logo may be used only in ways that support awareness of Osteogenesis Imperfecta and the purpose of Wishbone Day.
Can organisations use the Wishbone Day logo?
Yes, organisations may use the Wishbone Day logo for non-commercial awareness purposes, provided the use respects the purpose of the day and links back to the wider movement at www.wishboneday.com.
Organisations should not present Wishbone Day as their own campaign, change the meaning of the day, use the logo to imply ownership, or use the brand primarily for fundraising or self-promotion.
Wishbone Day belongs to the global OI community.
Can I use photos from the Wishbone Day website or social media?
No, not without permission from the photo owner.
All personal images of individuals, families or groups displayed on the Wishbone Day website or social media remain the property of the original photo owner.
Copying, downloading, distributing or reusing these images for any purpose is not permitted. This includes use in slideshows, YouTube videos, webpages, presentations, social media posts, promotional materials or other publications.
Please respect the privacy, dignity and ownership rights of the people represented in these images.
Can I share Wishbone Day social media posts?
Yes. Sharing Wishbone Day posts through normal social media sharing functions is encouraged.
Please do not copy, download, edit or republish personal images from Wishbone Day posts without permission. When sharing, please use #WishboneDay and link back to www.wishboneday.com where possible.
What hashtag should I use?
Use:
#WishboneDay
You can also use local or language-specific hashtags if they help your community connect. Using #WishboneDay helps link your post to the wider global movement.
Who owns Wishbone Day?
Wishbone Day belongs to the global OI community.
It began as a grassroots idea and has grown because people around the world continue to bring it to life. It is not the property of one organisation, one country or one person.
The strength of Wishbone Day comes from shared participation.
