💜💙💚 Celebrating Rare Disease Day — February 28
So… what is a rare disease? A disease is considered rare when it affects a small percentage of the population — often fewer than 1 in 2,000 people . But here’s the twist: while each condition is rare on its own, rare diseases are common collectively . More than 300 million people worldwide live with one of over 7,000 known rare diseases . Rare doesn’t mean simple. Many rare diseases are: Genetic and lifelong Diagnosed late — or misdiagnosed for years Poorly researched or underfunded Lacking clear treatment pathways or cures And the challenges go far beyond medicine. People and families affected by rare disease often face: Difficulty finding knowledgeable doctors and specialists Long travel distances for care, especially in rural or remote areas Fragmented services and gaps in adult care Financial strain from medical costs and lost income Social isolation and misunderstanding Emotional burnout for individuals, parents, siblings, and caregivers For many families, life becomes a ...