Tampa Woman Turns Migraine Pain Into Purpose with Shades For Migraine

Pounding, unbearable, unrelenting head pain. That’s how Tampa resident Beckiee Frasca describes the headache that comes with her migraine attacks. But migraine is more than a bad headache​; it is a complex neurological disease with a wide range of symptoms. Frasca also experiences nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms during attacks.

What began as episodic migraine at the young age of five progressed into chronic migraine in her 20s.

“For years, I battled the pain alone, through depression and even suicidal ideation,” said Frasca.

Like many people living with migraine, Frasca spent years searching for effective treatment and knowledgeable care.

“It wasn’t until I found the right headache care team at age 36 that things finally started to change,” said Frasca.

Although it affects 40 million Americans and is the leading cause of disability in women under 50, migraine remains highly stigmatized and frequently minimized.

“One of the biggest barriers for people with migraine is that often, symptoms aren’t visible,” said Dr. Franchesca Fiorito, neurologist and Shades for Migraine Medical Ambassador. “That invisibility leads to skepticism, misunderstanding, and judgment.”

“I’ve lost friends and strained relationships with family because people don’t believe I have this disease,” said Frasca.

Determined to help fight migraine stigma, Frasca became a migraine advocate,​ finding a home with Shades For Migraine, a global awareness movement led by the nonprofit Association of Migraine Disorders. For the past four years, Frasca has volunteered as a community leader, spreading awareness in Tampa and building a supportive community.

Frasca has organized local outreach events, handed out signature Shades For Migraine purple sunglasses, and lit up multiple Tampa landmarks in purple, ​in recognition of migraine awareness.

Through advocacy, education, and lived experience, Frasca continues to raise awareness and show others that they aren’t alone.

“Raising awareness is important to me because I felt so alone, I don’t want younger people with migraine to deal with the same feelings I did,” said Frasca. “They deserve a better, visible future in the migraine world.”

Now in its ninth year, Shades For Migraine continues to grow, raising awareness worldwide. In 2025, Shades reached more than 400 million people with participation in 56 countries and 16 languages.