Washington, D.C., October 14, 2016—The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the leading independent nonprofit organization representing the 30 million Americans with rare diseases, today announced it is accepting nominations for the 2017 Rare Impact Awards.
Submissions are now open online at www.rareimpact.org/awards. Submissions will close on Friday, January 13, 2017.
The 2017 Rare Impact Awards continues NORD’s 31-year tradition of bringing together the entire rare disease community to celebrate those who are making extraordinary contributions to drive progress and help others.
“The rare disease community includes the 30 million Americans with rare diseases, and also many more people and organizations working tirelessly to help,” said Peter L. Saltonstall, President and CEO of NORD. “NORD encourages you to tell us about these inspiring and dedicated individuals by submitting a nomination for the Rare Impact Awards. We look forward to sharing their stories and helping to inspire others with their extraordinary accomplishments.”
Nominees can include people or organizations and are not restricted by age or category. Past honorees have been recognized for their notable work in rare disease advocacy, science, patient care, ethics, research and technology, and as national health leaders. The honorees will be determined by a nominations committee comprised of NORD’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee, Board of Directors, and advocates and will be announced in early 2017.
The Rare Impact Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 in Washington in the amphitheater of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, the largest structure in D.C. and the first and only federal building dedicated to both federal and private use. More than 500 distinguished guests are expected to attend.
The event will serve as a fundraiser to support NORD’s mission of providing education, advocacy, patient support and research to help all people with rare diseases. There are approximately 7,000 known rare diseases, most of which are life-altering and do not yet have a treatment.
For more information, visit www.rareimpact.org/awards.