All over the world, the rare disease community turned the lights on to celebrate Rare Disease Day 2024 on February 29, the rarest date on the calendar. CSL, a global biotech that makes medicines for rare and serious diseases, took part in #LightUpforRare in several locations.
In Bern, Switzerland, CSL employees – and members of the Bern Ice Hockey team and the BSC Young Boys football club – pedaled stationary bicycles to generate enough power to light up the east façade of Burgerspital Bern. Starting at 9 in the morning, participants took 30-minute slots on bikes connected to a generator. The former hospital, built in the 1700s, is now a “House of Generations,” offering social support services and providing a meet-up space for all ages.
In Marburg, Germany, CSL illuminated a central spot in the university town – Town Hall adjacent to the market square. Since the 1500s, the Gothic sandstone building has housed municipal administrations and sits on the market square sit at the center of urban life. CSL has a large manufacturing facility and R&D presence in Marburg, known as a hub for biotech innovation.
CSL locations in Kankakee, Illinois and Melbourne, Australia, also lit up the night on Rare Disease Day. Lights adorned the trees outside of a manufacturing facility in Kankakee.
And in Melbourne, a special message beamed from the 12th floor of CSL’s new headquarters in Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct.
