Rare Disease Day 2013

Rare Disease Day will be observed on February 28, 2013.

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, a total of about 30 million Americans are affected by almost 7,000 rare diseases.

Patient advocacy organizations in the United States and around the world observe Rare Disease Day as 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 2013 is solidarity within the global rare disease community, recognizing that people affected by a rare disease, no matter where, encounter many of the same challenges and will greatly benefit from a unified support network.

• Rare Disease Day USA
• Rare Disease Day (International Site)
• Rare Disease Day (NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research)
• Rare Disease Day USA: Take Action Now
• National Organization for Rare Disorders
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) (NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research)