Rare Disease Day

Mark your calendars – Rare Disease Day is February 29th! Around the world, individuals impacted by rare diseases come together on this day to raise awareness, encourage research, facilitate community, and overall shine a light on rare diseases.

Although it is patient-led, others can participate in Rare Disease Day – including families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policy makers, industry representatives and the general public. 72% of rare diseases are genetic diseases. No matter the specialty, we as genetic counselors can take part in an individual’s rare disease journey. We wanted to highlight this day in honor of the patients we serve and encourage rare disease advocacy work in our state, national, and global levels.

See some fun facts about Rare Disease Day below! Feel free to share any pictures of events taking place across Texas to celebrate with your Texas Transcript team at thetexastranscript@gmail.com.

Rare Disease Day Fun Facts

  • Held on February 28th (or 29th on leap years – the rarest day of the year!)

  • Created in 2008

  • Rare Disease Day is coordinated by EURORDIS

  • Rare Disease Day events were held in over 100 countries in 2023

The Texas Transcript TeamRare Disease DayComment