Every color tells a story, and we want to hear yours — the stories that offer fresh perspectives, inspire hope in the community, connect unexpected ideas, or simply resonate with you on a personal level.
For Rare Disease Day this February, you’ll find a curation of those stories here — The Rare Moments. Patients, families, researchers, and those dedicated to advancing rare disease treatments will be using this space to share their rare stories. From past experiences with lysosomal diseases to significant highlights of the 2025 Rare Disease Day, and even hopes for the future, you will find diverse and valuable insights that matter to our community and expand our understanding of what it means to live with and work with rare diseases.
Be sure to check back regularly throughout the month for the latest posts, and don’t forget to submit your colorful Rare Moments!
See what’s been sharedThank you for sharing and reading this curation from our rare disease community!
One of the families in our community had an event annually for 10 years that was a 3 day hangout session on a farm for FA families. People camped out, and there were all kinds of activities, such as swimming, fishing, yoga, tie-dying, crafts, fireworks, and all-you-can-eat ice cream. At this event, people with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) never felt out of place, and we were all able to be together without the awkwardness that can be present around people who might not understand the experience of FA.
My Rare Moment is anytime I get to be with my people.
curefa.orgFARA – Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance
The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) funds and facilitates research to slow, stop, reverse, and cure Friedreich’s ataxia. FARA is a key resource for both FA families and researchers.
curefa.orgI have seen so many families without hope losing children (young and adults) to rare diseases despite the investment of time/money, and emotions. One of the most fulfilling days for me was when one such family was able to watch their child markedly improve about 8 months after treatment!
Hear from Nathan Chadwick, Senior Director and Therapeutic Strategy Lead for Rare Disease.
youtu.beWe are so excited to re-launch Rare Moments, our website dedicated to sharing the stories and experiences of the rare disease communities throughout the month of February in honor of Rare Disease Day. Please use this safe space to share your memories, notes, events, thoughts, and resources so that we can help elevate each other’s voices and connect like-minded individuals. So much happens during and ahead of Rare Disease Week, so bookmark this page and visit often to stay current on everything rare disease!
We’re excited to relaunch Rare Moments—a space to share updates, events, and resources throughout the month of February. Join us in amplifying voices and stay connected by bookmarking the page!
I had such a fulfilling experience visiting my members of Congress as part of Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill. My fellow advocates and I raised our voices to encourage their support of policies that benefit rare disease patients. Hearing everyone’s stories was so inspiring.
We are proud to support and bring awareness to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day which was yesterday, March 3rd. Individuals in the United States have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer and TNBC accounts for 10-25% of those breast cancers. Me and many others at Worldwide are excited to take part in the many events occurring throughout March that bring awareness to this disease. Please join us at any of the highlighted events listed below.
tnbcfoundation.orgCheck out the Minnesota Twins’ Target Field lit up for Rare Disease Day!
In celebration of Rare Disease Day, I am excited to share our most recent draft class from the 2024 Young Investigator Draft! This year we highlighted the significant potential of research in this space when powered by the platform of sports—especially as we surpassed our $1 million in total funding granted. You can watch a recap of the event at the below link!
www.youtube.comJim Geraghty said it best today at the 9th Annual Rare Disease Day Event at the Broad Institute. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” when it comes to rare disease research. Always a science-focused and inspiring event at the Broad!