Living With A Rare Disease

By Kiara Tatum

Another year has come, and Rare Disease Day is on Saturday, February 28.  And the facts still remain that there are 30,000 PHighters living with PH in the United States, and I'm one of those PHighters. I know that there are others all around that are living with PH and other rare diseases, and we need to spread the word about PH.  There are many ways to get involved and share your story.

"Rare Disease Day was first observed in Europe in 2008.  It was established by the European Rare Disease Organization (EURODIS).  In 2009, EURODIS asked NORD (National Organization of Rare Diseases to be its partner in this initiative and to sponsor Rare Disease Day in the United States.... In 2014, more than 80 countries participated and, through social media, the awareness, and participation has an even broader reach.  Each year, Rare Disease Day is observed on the last day of February.  The goal is to draw attention to rare diseases as an important public health issue that cannot be ignored." History of Rare Disease Day

Having a rare disease can be a very lonely and scary place where you feel no one understands what you're going through and you don't know what your day will be like.  It doesn't only affect the person with the disease, but it affects their family and friends.  I was diagnosed with PH in March, 2006, and I have been PHighting ever since that day.  But I didn't do it alone.  I have my family there to support me and care for me when I can't care for myself.  I have PHriends that I can call upon for support and understanding.  I have my friends that remind me of who I was before I had PH and that I'm still that girl.  So this Rare Disease Day, I'm going to celebrate, share my story, and bring awareness of PH to the community via social network.

PHA participates in Rare Disease Day.  Will you join us? Find out what you can do to get involved.  Let's share our stories, let's bring PH awareness to all around the world this year for Rare Disease Day. Rare Disease Day 2015 - PH

Get Ready For Rare Disease Day!

By Kimberly Smith, PHA Intern

February 28^th is Rare Disease Day and it’s time to celebrate! Rare Disease Day was established in 2008 by EURODIS (Rare Disease Europe) and its Council of National Alliances, and is celebrated annually on the last day of February. Rare Disease Day was created to raise awareness and advocate for rare diseases that many people are unaware of, but that so many in the world are affected by. Events are held in countries throughout the world, from here in the United States to Spain, Japan, and everywhere in between! Many people use this day as an opportunity to raise their voices about rare disease and go to their local politicians and advocate, and events are happening at State Houses across the country, sponsored by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).

The Global Genes Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to rare and genetic diseases, is also celebrating Rare Disease Day with various events and activities dedicated to raising awareness. Their “Wear That You Care” campaign allows participants to order, for a small donation, a “Genes Ribbon” to wear along with their favorite pair of jeans to show their support and raise awareness for rare and genetic diseases. Click to learn more about the Global Genes Project and their Rare Disease Day events.

There are so many ways you can celebrate Rare Disease Day! Here’s a few ways some members of the PHA Community celebrated last year:

• Last year on Rare Disease Day Colleen went in for a haircut and decided to donate 12 inches of her hair to Locks of Love! She had planned on donating it sometime in the future, and after a little encouragement from her hairdresser, she decided it would be a great way to mark the day.  
• Rachel made cupcakes with names of rare diseases on them to celebrate last year. Delicious!

How will you celebrate Rare Disease Day this year? Visit www.rarediseaseday.org to find events happening near you!