Rare Disease Day 2012

This year, Rare Disease Day will be observed on February 29, 2012.

Rare Disease Day was established as a day to bring awareness to rare diseases, which in the United States are defined as conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people. Currently, about 30 million Americans are affected by almost 7,000 rare diseases.

Rare Disease Day is observed not only in the United States, but by patient advocacy organizations around the world. Rare Disease Day is an opportunity to bring recognition to rare diseases and to the people affected by them. The rarity of these diseases can make it difficult for affected individuals to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper care. The focus of Rare Disease Day 2012 is solidarity within the rare disease community to help advance rare disease research and enhance the community's support network.

• Rare Disease Day USA
• Rare Disease Day 2012 (International Site)
• Rare Disease Day (NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research)
• Rare Disease Day USA: Suggested Activities
• FDA Rare Disease Patient Advocacy Day (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) (NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research)