February 28 is Worldwide Rare Disease Day - Show Your Support!

Over 300 million people around the world live with one or more of the 7,000 diseases classified as "rare" - affecting fewer than 1 in 2000 people (EU) or fewer than 200,000 people in all (USA).

It's for these people that in 2008, Rare Disease Day was born.

During the weeks leading up, those in the rare disease community are encouraged to help promote awareness – both for the general public and for lawmakers . Another major component of the campaign is to help patients and caregivers remember they are not alone. The internet plays a large part, with Twitter hashtags such as #ShowYourRare, #MyRare, #RareDiseases and #RareDiseaseDay helping join the community as members share their personal experiences. #ShowYourRare is the inspiration behind this year’s poster and logo, as patients are encouraged to paint their faces with the rare disease logo and post selfies on their social media.

All activities focus upon this year’s theme – a continuation from 2017 – of research. This is instrumental to finding the medication or treatments that can help provide a normal life.

On February 28, pledge your support for the rare disease community! Chances are, if you do not personally have a rare disease, a friend or loved one does. (In the U.S., 300 million affected means about 1 of every 10 people has a rare disease. The number of rare disease patients worldwide is equal to the entire U.S. population!) You can share your personal story, browse social media to learn others' stories, hold a school or workplace fundraiser, make a donation to an organization supporting a particular disease...be creative!

For more information about Rare Disease Day, go to www.rarediseaseday.org or to “rarediseaseday” on both Twitter and Facebook.