The Curing Coma® Campaign (CCC) is a global collaboration of leading experts in disorders of consciousness (DOC), dedicated to advancing research, improving patient outcomes, and raising awareness about coma as a treatable and recoverable condition. One of the key initiatives of this movement initiated by the Neurocritical Care Society is World Coma Day (WCD)—a free all-day event celebrated on March 22 every year that is designed to bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, caregivers, and advocates to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire action.

WCD is built on the foundation of global cooperation, with clinicians, researchers, and advocates working together to create an engaging and informative event. This initiative continues to grow in reach and impact. The event embodies the philosophy that collective efforts drive progress, just as no single individual or institution alone can "cure coma."

What to Expect for WCD 2025

The 2025 World Coma Day event will follow a hybrid format, featuring live and on-demand sessions, as well as community events throughout March. Notable highlights include:

• Live Sessions & Regional Updates: Multilingual conversations and discussions led by the NCS regional chapters will provide updates on coma care from the Middle East & Africa, Asia, South America, and North & Central America.
• Community Engagement: Events such as the Seattle Pacific Science Center lighting its arches in blue and orange to mark WCD.
• Educational Initiatives: A special CCC Journal Club, where attendees can earn CME credits.
• Industry & Organizational Collaboration: Partnerships with generous sponsors like NeurOptics and collaborations with brain injury advocacy groups further enhance WCD’s outreach and impact.

On-Demand Content & Stories of Hope

A major highlight of WCD is the release of on-demand YouTube content at 12:00 AM GMT to kick off the event. This includes:

• Scientific Insights: Reviews of the 10 Common Data Elements papers featuring speakers including Joseph Giacino and Varina Boerwinkle, along with updates from Nicolas Schiff and Chethan Rao.
• Community Contributions: Messages from global partners emphasizing the importance of caregiver support.
• Inspirational Stories: The Stories of Hope segment will spotlight remarkable recoveries, such as professional X-Games skier Jamie MoCrazy, who overcame a severe brain injury after a crash in the 2015 World Tour finals.

Get Involved: March Miles & CCC Bandanas

To further engage the community, the March Miles competition on the Strava app will encourage participants to raise awareness for WCD by tracking their physical activity. The first 250 registrants who donate $25 or more will receive a limited-edition CCC WCD bandana (pictured below).

Join the Movement

World Coma Day is an opportunity for healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, families, industry leaders, and advocates to unite in the shared mission of improving coma care. The Neurocritical Care Society and CCC are committed to fostering an inclusive, multidisciplinary environment where all perspectives are valued.

Join us on March 22 for World Coma Day and be part of this global effort to advance coma research, treatment, and recovery. Together, we can awaken hope and drive meaningful change in the lives of those affected by coma.

Registration is free and open now: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/worldcomaday2025/

Pancake and Zoey Nairon, supporting the CCC from Dallas, Texas

Golden retrievers of the CCC

The past presidents of NCS representing WCD on their annual ski trip

Drs. Wendy Ziai (Johns Hopkins University)  and Venkatesh Aiyagari (UT Southwestern Medical Center)