Rare Disease Day is here! \u00a0Celebrated on the last day of February\u2013the rarest day on the calendar\u2013this is the one day every year when the world comes together to improve the lives of people living with rare diseases.<\/p>\n
NORD is proud to work with our partners as the official sponsor of Rare Disease Day in the U.S. \u00a0Here are a few ways you can get involved to help make this the most impactful Rare Disease Day yet.<\/p>\n
Social media awareness<\/strong>\u00a0– Together we can grow awareness. Change your profile picture to the\u00a0\u201dI SUPPORT Rare Disease\u00a0Day\u201d badge\u00a0(pictured)\u00a0and encourage others to do the same. \u00a0Share photos, updates and videos using the hashtags\u00a0#RDD2015<\/strong>,\u00a0#RareDiseaseDay\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0#1in10<\/strong>. \u00a0You can find us on Twitter\u00a0@RareDayUS<\/a>, Facebook\u00a0\/RareDiseaseDay.US<\/a>\u00a0and instagram\u00a0@rarediseasedayUS<\/a>.\u00a0 Handprints Across America<\/strong>\u2122\u00a0<\/strong>– Tell your story: \u00a0how does rare disease touch you? \u00a0 Upload photos with the Handprints Across America sign to the 2015 gallery (details here<\/a>).\u00a0You can include photos of yourself, family members, and group shots from school, work or your organization.<\/p>\n Events\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong>– Events are happening across the country. Attend, spread the word, and connect with others,\u00a0https:\/\/rarediseaseday.us\/events\/events\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n Children\u2019s activities\u00a0<\/strong>– Two-thirds of America\u2019s 30 million rare disease patients are children. \u00a0You can involve kids with\u00a0coloring sheets<\/a>\u00a0and other\u00a0activities<\/a>. \u00a0Rare Disease\u00a0Day\u00a0Ambassador 2015 Sean Hepburn Ferrer, whose mother Audrey Hepburn died from a rare disease, has written a new children\u2019s book,\u00a0MAURICIO OF URUGUAY, to help explain rare diseases to children.<\/p>\n Education –\u00a0<\/strong>Are you a student or medical professional interested in learning more about rare diseases, diagnosis and the challenges of rare disease patients? \u00a0Take a look at the\u00a0fact sheets<\/a>\u00a0and share with your colleagues.<\/p>\n Talk with elected officials<\/strong>\u00a0– Let your legislators know rare diseases are a priority. \u00a0Send an\u00a0email\u00a0as easily as entering your zip code.<\/p>\n Spread the word\u00a0<\/strong>– We\u2019ve created colorful\u00a0infographics<\/a>,\u00a0videos<\/a>, and\u00a0printable handouts<\/a>\u00a0that you can download and share from our website.<\/p>\n Join the media campaign\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong>– On our website you will find downloadable\u00a0press release templates<\/a>\u00a0that are easy to customize to help you share you story, event, and role as a RDD supporter.<\/p>\n Donate\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0– Until 11:59 p.m. tonight, with every click on RAISE YOUR HAND on the Rare Disease Day U.S. website<\/a>, Lundbeck with donate $1 (up to $10K) to a NORD research fund.\u00a0On\u00a0March 3, many nonprofit organizations in the rare disease community will participate in a new annual\u00a0day\u00a0of giving, Give Rare. To make a gift or sign up as an organization, visit the Give Rare\u00a0website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Rare Disease Day is here! \u00a0Celebrated on the last day of February\u2013the rarest day on the calendar\u2013this is the one day every year when the world comes together to improve … <\/p>\n