Washington, D.C., August 6, 2018 – The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the leading independent nonprofit organization representing the 30 million Americans with rare diseases, issued the following statement regarding the recent passing of Dr. Robert M. Campbell.
“NORD is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Robert M. Campbell. A great friend to NORD, Dr. Campbell served on our Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) for many years. Throughout his years serving on NORD’s MAC, he donated countless hours of his time as a scientific adviser and reviewer of research proposals. He was very supportive of NORD’s educational programs, reviewing information for patients and serving as a chapter editor for a textbook on rare diseases for pediatricians and family physicians that NORD published with Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins in 2003.
He was not only involved in the quality of life for rare disease patients through his work as a researcher and clinician, but Dr. Campbell also supported NORD’s advocacy on pediatric medical device development on many occasions over the years. In 2010, his advocacy on behalf of children with rare medical conditions was recognized with a Congressional Resolution (H.Res.1499).
Dr. Campbell is best known for his groundbreaking invention–the Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) device–a medical device that has been life-saving for many children with Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome. Due to his incredible accomplishments and dedication to the rare disease community, NORD proudly honored Dr. Campbell with the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award during our 35th Anniversary Celebration presenting the Rare Impact Awards on May 17. During his remarks, the audience was moved by his words of encouragement and laughed with him as he recalled joyful memories of his years working with the community. You can watch his remarks during the ceremony here.
All of us at NORD are thinking of Dr. Campbell’s family, friends, patients and colleagues during this time.”