Butterfly mural symbolising rare endocrine condition unveiled at key Harrogate conference
Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition, and the mural artwork is an integral part of the Seeds of Change initiative, designed to unite and empower people with hypoparathyroidism and their healthcare providers. The Society for Endocrinology annual conference is the UK’s leading endocrinology conference and was held at the Harrogate Convention Centre on 10-12 March 2025
Ascendis Pharma UK, along with Parathyroid UK and the Society for Endocrinology, yesterday unveiled a butterfly mural artwork at the Society for Endocrinology BES Conference in Harrogate. The artwork reflects the lived experiences of individuals with a serious condition called hypoparathyroidism, commonly known as hypopara.
Hand-painted by Lincolnshire-based artist Lynn Norris, who is living with hypopara herself, the mural was created with valuable input from the hypopara community to raise awareness of the condition among the general public.
People with hypopara experience a range of symptoms, including tingling sensations, muscle twitching, fatigue, cramps, and mood changes,1 which can affect their employment, personal and social lives, and overall well-being.2 Hypopara also affects numerous systems in the body and is associated with long-term complications. These include kidney problems, calcification outside of the bone, and difficulties with thinking and memory.3,4
A butterfly is often used as a symbol of thyroid awareness and has become synonymous with hope. Its universal representation of change resonates deeply with those facing challenging conditions.
“I’m incredibly proud to bring this condition to life visually and to create this mural for every person with hypopara. The whole process has been emotional; when you are asked about symptoms and your experience, and hopes for the future, you realise what you have lost, and the daily struggles that have become normalised. I hope this mural stands as a symbol of strength, resilience, and a turning point towards positive change for the hypopara community.”
Artist Lynn Norris
The butterfly is a central element of Seeds of Change, a new initiative created by Ascendis, along with the charity Parathyroid UK, and the Society for Endocrinology, a UK-based organisation representing clinicians, scientists and nurses. Inspired by nature, Seeds of Change seeks to capture the lived experiences of people affected by hypopara, enhance education, improve support, and ultimately make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those affected by the condition.
“Seeds of Change and this mural powerfully depict the everyday challenges faced by those with this often-overlooked condition. The reaction we’ve had from the community so far has motivated us to continue to raise awareness, combat misunderstandings, and inspire hope for the future for people with hypopara,”
Liz Glenister, CEO of Parathyroid UK
“The unveiling of the butterfly mural at the UK’s leading endocrinology conference in Harrogate marks a significant milestone for the hypopara community. We are proud that this event has paved the way for the first phase of the Seeds of Change initiative to come to life.”
Laura Udakis, Director of Membership Engagement, Society for Endocrinology
Following the conference, more personal stories and insights will be incorporated into the mural to ensure it truly reflects both patient and healthcare professional perspectives.
“Along with Parathyroid UK and the Society for Endocrinology, we are excited to launch this important initiative at this key conference in Harrogate. The hypopara community is often underserved and along with our partners, we are committed to improving the experiences of those with this overlooked condition.”
Ben Whitehouse, General Manager UK and IE, Ascendis Pharma
For more information about Seeds of Change: visit the website here https://www.seeds-of- change.com/UK
Seeds of Change is a disease awareness initiative, developed by Ascendis Pharma UK Limited, and supported by Parathyroid UK and Society for Endocrinology.
About Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition when the parathyroid gland doesn’t produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).1
This makes blood calcium levels fall and blood phosphorus levels rise, which can cause a wide range of short-term symptoms, including muscle cramps, pain and twitching, and long-term complications, including kidney complications, calcification outside of the bone, and difficulties with thinking and memory.1,3,4
About Ascendis Pharma
Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by our core values of Patients, Science and Passion, we use our TransCon technologies to create new therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has additional facilities in Europe and the United States. In the United Kingdom, our office is in London and to find out more about Ascendis please visit www.ascendispharma.com. Ascendis, Ascendis Pharma, the Ascendis Pharma logo, the company logo, and TransCon are trademarks owned by the Ascendis Pharma group. © March 2025 Ascendis Pharma A/S.
References
[1] NHS. Hypoparathyroidism. Available online at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypoparathyroidism/ Last accessed March 2025
[2] Hadker N et al. Understanding the Burden of Illness Associated with Hypoparathyroidism Reported Among Patients in the Paradox Study. Endocrine Practice. 2014 Jul;20(7):671–9.
[3] Brandi ML et al. Management of Hypoparathyroidism: Summary Statement and Guidelines. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2016 Jun 1;101(6):2273–83.
[4] Shoback DM, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(6):2300–12.
