We celebrate Wear A Hat Day on March 26 as a fun and fabulous way to raise awareness for brain-tumor research, and raise funds while we’re at it! The holiday was created as a way to get our heads (and hats) together to advance research in finding a cure for brain tumors. You don’t need to have been affected to make a difference, so we’ve got some ideas to get you a-head this Wear A Hat Day!
HISTORY OF WEAR A HAT DAY
Occurring in around 250,000 people globally each year, we still have a long way to go in the study of brain tumors. But, thankfully, due to scientific advances in the fields of chemotherapy and radiation, the survival rate is higher than ever before.
Once, brain tumors meant the end for the unfortunate individuals who developed them. It wasn’t until 1879 when Scottish surgeon William Macewen became the first person to successfully remove a brain tumor. His patient, a young woman, recovered fully, and the tide was turned in the fight against the illness.
The scientific process that was developed over the following few years meant a speedy advancement in our understanding and treatment of the condition. The discovery of X-rays meant that it became possible to locate tumors of the brain accurately through scanning. This has continued to be the best way to identify brain tumors ever since and, in the 1970s, the development of computed tomography (CT) scanning allowed physicians to see a clear image of the brain for the first time.
Despite these significant advances in the last 150 years, there is still no fail-safe cure for brain tumors. As a result, we get together on Wear A Hat Day to raise money and awareness for brain tumor research. Typically used as a form of protection from external elements, hats are worn as a symbol of internal protection on this day, too. By talking more about the condition, we help each other to spot symptoms early on and by raising funds we provide support for the amazing scientists working on a cure.
WEAR A HAT DAY TIMELINE
1879
The first removal
The first documented successful removal of a brain tumor is performed on a young woman by William Macewen in Scotland.
1895
X-Rays are Invented
The discovery leads to great advancements in the study of the brain and brain tumors.
1970s
A Clearer Picture
Computed tomography (CT) scanning is developed and provides the first clear imaging of brain tumors.
1990s
Survival Rates Soar
Advances in chemotherapy and radiation increase the survival rate for brain-tumor patients.
WEAR A HAT DAY FAQS
Do I have to wear a hat?
Hats come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s definitely one out there that will suit you! But if you can’t get your hands on one, then you can raise awareness in your own way.
What have hats got to do with brain tumors?
Hats remind us to protect our heads. Traditionally, they were used for external protection but, for this event, they symbolize internal protection, too, in the form of raising awareness and funds.
Are there other days I can wear particular clothing?
If you love a reason to be creative with your outfit, then we suggest National Ugly Sweater Day on December 20 and National Croc Day on October 23.
HOW TO OBSERVE WEAR A HAT DAY
Don your best hat
In case you hadn’t caught on, the simplest way to celebrate Wear A Hat Day is to wear a hat! Dust off an old favorite or treat yourself to a new one.
Decorate a hat
You can use simple papercraft to construct a hat and decorate it to fit your tastes. You might even start a new fashion trend!
Organize a hat swap
Tired of your own hats? Get a group together and trade! It’s the perfect way to have fun and raise awareness at the same time.
5 FACTS ABOUT TOP HATS TO HEAT YOUR HEAD
You can wear one in a taxi
London taxis are designed to be tall enough to accommodate a gentleman wearing a top hat so that he doesn’t need to remove it when out and about.
They frightened people at first
In 1797, when John Heatherington stepped onto the street in one of the first top hats, he was arrested for scaring the people and fined 50 pounds by the court.
They can collapse at the opera
To be more considerate of fellow audience members, the chapeau claque was designed for visitors to the opera — it uses a spring system to collapse, allowing the wearer to keep it on without obstructing the view for others.
It is a descendent of a sugarloaf
The predecessor of the top hat is considered to be the sugarloaf hat (so called for its shape), worn by both men and women in the 1590s.
Some are pretty cool
A 1911 design placed a fan in the upper chamber of the top hat — it was operated by a switch in the brim so that the wearer could look cool and stay cool at the same time!
WHY WEAR A HAT DAY IS IMPORTANT
It’s for a great cause!
We get to look good and feel great thanks to the philanthropic nature of this awareness-raising day.
It’s expressive
Whoever you are, and however you wear your hair, there’s a hat out there for you! You can show off your unique style with your choice.
It makes a difference
By raising awareness and funds on Wear A Hat Day, you help progress the study of brain tumors and bring us closer to a cure.
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