For the last four years Rare Disease Day has grown and expanded, thanks to the participation and support of all of our partners, ambassadors and supporters. Read some of the accomplishments from past years and help us work together to do even more in 2012!
Rare Disease Day US 2011
Rare Disease Day 2011 touched minds, hearts and souls across the nation. Here is just a brief sampling of events and activities:
- National and State Resolutions: The U.S. Senate adopted, by unanimous consent, a resolution designating February 28, 2011, Rare Disease Day across the U.S. Additionally, proclamations, resolutions and similar documents were issued in all 50 states for the day.
- Media Coverage: Online coverage of Rare Disease day included articles on Yahoo Health, WebMD, and numerous other websites. TV and radio coverage included interviews in many cities and on the Dennis Miller show.
- Increased Partnerships: There are now 548 Rare Disease Day Partners, representing governmental agencies, the media, patient organizations, professional medical societies and industry.
- Connecting via Social Media: Over 11,000 people connected with Rare Disease Day via Facebook, and many shared Patient Stories on the Rare Disease Day website.
- Research: NIH hosted an all-day conference focusing on research and development of treatments, and other public agencies and private companies held symposiums.
- Teaching Opportunities: Teachers and students ranging from high schools to graduate schools found ways to increase awareness through classroom and campus activities focused around Rare Disease Day.
Rare Disease Day US 2010
In 2010, we built upon the success of 2009 and expanded our efforts. Excitement and participation spread coast to coast and across the internet. Highlights included:
- Rarediseaseday.us was launched
- More than 350 groups signed on as Rare Disease Day Partners
- Governors in 40 states issued proclamations
- More then 3,700+ participants were engaged on Facebook
- Patient stories appeared on ABC News, blogs, editorials, newspapers and many other websites
Rare Disease Day US 2009
Rare Disease Day 2009 was the first year the day was observed in the U.S. Some of the highlights included:
- More than 200 organizations, agencies, and companies signed on as Rare Disease Day Partners
- Governors of 39 states issued proclamations
- Many websites, newspapers, and other media published editorials, letters to the editor, stories, and blogs
- Companies hosted events such as “Lunch & Learns” for their employees
- Patient organizations organized networking events