Tuesday (2/28) is Rare Disease Day! Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.
Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse– but united in purpose. Rare Disease Day is observed every year on 28 February (or 29 in leap years)—the rarest day of the year. Rare Disease Day provides an energy and focal point that enables rare disease advocacy work to progress on the local, national, and international levels.
It is traditional to wear stripes on Tuesday 2/28 as the zebra, with its distinctive stripes, is the official symbol of rare diseases in the United States. While each of the more than 7,000 rare diseases is unique, there are many commonalities that unite our community.
Please join us in support of our students with rare diseases by wearing stripes!
There is also a free event at the Make a Wish castle on Tuesday to raise awareness. There will be guest speakers, informational booths, a DJ, face painting, a photo booth, princesses, food trucks, and other fun activities. There is more information, and a link to the registration, at RareNJ.org.