Rare Disease Day ‘Patient Hero’ Raises Awareness Through Fashion

Rare Disease Day at NIH, Set for March 1, Growing Year by Year

Rare Disease Day at NIH, organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and taking place on March 1, will feature panel discussions, patient stories, research updates, TED-style talks, and a presentation by a Nobel laureate recently recognized for her work on a gene editing tool. The free, virtual…

Fabry Disease and Shoshin

A Japanese concept called shoshin might help people with diseases such as Fabry disease change their perspective and see their world, and their disorder, in a different light. What is Fabry disease? Fabry disease is a progressive and rare genetic disease. It results from the abnormal buildup of a…

In Managing Fabry Symptoms, We Must Leave No Stone Unturned

Because Fabry disease affects multiple bodily systems, it was easy to get in the habit of managing each symptom separately, focusing on the symptom that needed the most attention at the moment. I’ve learned over time that my Fabry symptoms and my non-Fabry medical issues are often connected in ways…

Ultrasound for Renal Cysts May Hasten Diagnosis

Cysts in the kidneys are more common in people with Fabry disease than in other diseases that affect the kidneys, which is why a new study suggests that looking for such cysts could aid in the diagnosis of Fabry. The study, “Renal Ultrasound contributes to Fabry…

Importance of Advocacy for Fabry Disease

If you or a family member has a rare disorder such as Fabry disease, you may want to get involved with health advocacy efforts. In general, these efforts promote health and access to care at individual and community levels. Here is more information about advocacy and ways in which…

Pandemic Won’t Stop Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28

Scores of virtual events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2021 on Feb. 28. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…