Why is the ribbon silver?   

We asked Jean Liechty, Silver Ribbon Founder, and here is what she said:

In thinking about what color we should use for the Brain Awareness ribbon, firstly, I recalled an old song, "Look for the Silver Lining when there are storm clouds in the sky” – which means look for the positive, try to make things better, that things will get better, to find the "sunny" side of life. 

I also liked the idea of silver from a purely aesthetic viewpoint.  When worn, Silver reflects the light, is shiny and shows up well.  The first time we used the Silver Ribbon it proved its merit.  In January, 1993, about 40 of us from the mental health support community attended a County Board of Supervisors meeting to show our support for approving a property-use permit for a home for persons with mental disabilities.  Only one spokesperson was allowed, but the Supervisors could see all the people in the audience wearing Silver Ribbons, made from silver gift ribbons.  The ribbons were so shiny and stood out!  We got our home permit!  The Supervisors congratulated us, and said they admired our symbol – that it had been helpful to them in discerning community support for the home.

On the practical side, Silver could be made into a permanent ribbon pin easily, and would be lovely for more formal occasions.  And, only anecdotally, when attending meetings of the local chapters of National Alliance on Mental Illness – we have a mentally illl adult son – we could not help notice the silver-haired audience made up largely of parents of young adult and adult-aged children typical of mental illness onset and continuing care.

Additionally, I firmly believed, and still believe, that it is so important to financially support the scientific research that will lead to discovering the causes of and cures for brain disorders.  "Silver" is historically symbolic of money.  And money is needed for research.  I was the Founding President in the 1970s of a support group for brain research at the University of California, Irvine (see UCI Brain Imaging Center Silver Ribbon Dinners).  We were fortunate to raise millions of dollars for our cause.  The group is still active, and still raising money!

Lastly, and perhaps serendipitously, when my husband and I were making our final decision on ribbon color, we were driving to the 90^th birthday party of a friend’s father, Dr. Edward Silver.  He has since passed away, but he was such a wonderful man, whom we respected and admired, charming and bright to the end of his life.  So, “Silver” it was!  And, though Dr. Silver’s field of research was not the brain, his bright and positive energy represented the attitude we desired the Silver Ribbon to embody. 

Always wear a Silver Ribbon
To show you care about someone with a brain disorder or disability
To help break down the barriers to treatment and support
To help eliminate the stigma against those who suffer
To show you believe there is HOPE through education and research

Aloha,