More than 300 million people worldwide are impacted by over 10,000 rare diseases—more than cancer and AIDS combined. Yet rare diseases do not receive the same research funding, resources, or public awareness. Together, we can change that—bringing hope, visibility, and support to the rare disease community!
What is Rare Disease Day?
Rare Disease Day is a global awareness day dedicated to shining a spotlight on rare diseases. Patient advocacy groups and foundations, including the GFPD, come together around the world to push for greater recognition, research, and access to care for individuals living with rare diseases.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways to take part in Rare Disease Day! You can help raise awareness, support advocacy efforts, and contribute to research that improves the lives of GFPD Warriors. Here’s how:
1. Wear Your Stripes
The zebra is the official mascot of rare diseases. This comes from a teaching in medical schools: “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras,” encouraging doctors to first consider common conditions. But sometimes, when you hear hoofbeats—it really is a zebra!
Put on your stripes to show your support and solidarity with individuals living with rare diseases. Wear them proudly, share your photos, and help us spread awareness far and wide!
2. Rare Disease Day Sign
Print and share your GFPD Rare Disease Day sign to help raise awareness. Hang it in your home, office, school, or local business to show support for the rare disease community.
3. GFPD Rare Disease Coloring Page
Get creative while spreading awareness! Our GFPD Rare Disease Coloring Page is a fun, family-friendly activity that can be shared with children at home, in daycares, or classrooms. Coloring these pages is a great way to spark conversations about rare diseases and engage the next generation in advocacy and awareness.
4. Share Your Photos
While wearing your stripes, snap a picture holding your Rare Disease Day sign and/or your colorful GFPD coloring page! Post your photos on social media and tag the GFPD! We love seeing our community come together in support. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #RareDiseaseDay and #ShowYourStripes
5. Share Our GFPD Rare Disease Day Video!
Help us spread awareness by sharing our GFPD Rare Disease video! Sharing this video with friends, family, and on social media is a simple way to educate others and amplify the voices of GFPD Warriors.
6. Tell Your Story
Your voice matters! Share your story with local newspapers, news outlets, or on your social media platforms. You can include your Rare Disease Day sign or coloring page in your post. Be sure to tag the GFPD so we can see your efforts, celebrate your story, and share it with our community.
7. Share Rare Disease Facts
The GFPD has already begun sharing rare disease facts on our social media platforms and will continue through Rare Disease Day. These shareable facts are a simple way to educate others and expand awareness when you like and share them with your own network. Every post helps amplify the message about rare diseases and the lives of GFPD Warriors.
8. GFPD Day of Giving
As we work to improve the lives of individuals with peroxisomal disorders and empower families and patients, advocacy and research remain at the heart of our mission. You can make a difference by participating in and sharing our Day of Giving. Every gift helps champion research and legislative advocacy for our GFPD Warriors. Thank you for helping make an impact for a #GFPDWarrior today!
Join us this Rare Disease Day as we celebrate our GFPD Warriors, amplify their voices, and champion change for the rare disease community. Together, we can make every day a step toward hope, awareness, and action.
Materials to Access and Share: