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Show Your Stripes® for
Rare Disease Day® with NORD®

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284 Days
...until Rare Disease Day
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RARE Is Not Rare

One out of every 10 Americans is living with a rare disease. Worldwide, there are more than 300 million people with rare diseases. Too often, these individuals and families are left isolated and without answers to their medical questions. It doesn't have to be that way.

Rare Disease Day is a global initiative to raise awareness and generate support for everyone who is on a rare medical journey. It takes place on the last day of February, which this year is February 28th.

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is the trusted voice of the more than 30 million Americans living with a rare disease. We are proud to be the official U.S. partner for Rare Disease Day. We invite you to read on to learn how to #ShowYourStripes in support of those with a rare disease.

Get Involved
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Show your Stripes®

The zebra is the official mascot for rare disease patients. Historically, medical professionals were told that when they “hear hoofbeats,” they should not expect to see a zebra. In other words, look for the more common answer, a horse. Now, we know that one in ten Americans is actually a zebra! It might not be obvious when you look at us, which is why we show our stripes to raise awareness.

Wearing stripes can start a conversation that helps others learn about the prevalence and challenges of rare diseases. Take a picture of your striped look and share it on social media with the hashtags #ShowYourStripes and #RareDiseaseDay to join this celebration of the many faces of rare disease.

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young girl smiling outdoors in park
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Faces of Rare

Who do you Show Your Stripes for? We want to hear from you! Behind every face is an extraordinary story and sharing your experience, struggles, and triumphs can help impact change.

Share Your Dedication

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NORD logo on blue background.
NORD logo on blue background.
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Light Up for Rare | International Campaign of Lights

Each year, thousands of buildings, landmarks, homes, and communities around the globe light up in honor of Rare Disease Day. Check out NORD's guide with tips on how to Light Up for Rare and join this global chain of lights.

Join the Campaign
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Take Action

NORD was founded more than 40 years ago to advocate for equitable health policies that improve the lives of all rare disease patients and families. Advocacy is what Rare Disease Day is all about, and we encourage you to use your own voice today in honor of this moment.
Join NORD’s Rare Action Network® to connect with rare advocates near you and take part in our action alerts—sending messages to your representatives about key bills and issues.

In the News

NORD, Paramount Pictures Join Forces to Raise Awareness of Rare Disease

February 27, 2025

NORD is teaming up with Paramount Pictures to raise awareness of rare disease and fundraise to support the rare disease community in conjunction with the upcoming release of Novocaine, an action thriller starring Jack Quaid. The joint campaign runs through Rare Disease Day® on Feb. 28, during which time Paramount Pictures will match every dollar raised — up to $40,000 — to support NORD’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the more than 30 million Americans living with rare disease.

Read Article

Spectrum News: Patients and providers advocate for rare disease council in New York state

Feb. 25, 2025

There’s an enormous physical, emotional and financial cost associated with rare diseases, so those hoping to create a special council focused on them could change millions of lives. Among those gathering at the state Capitol Tuesday to discuss the need for a Rare Disease Advisory Council was Vito Grasso. He is the CEO of the New York state chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and most importantly, father to Becca, a 33-year-old diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2.

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