FPIES Foundation joining forces with Rare Diseases Community
and Global Genes
350-million voices to make a difference
'You are not alone.' It's a mantra of sorts here at the FPIES
Foundation. You are not alone on food trials, you are not alone at 3 a-m with a
sick child, and you are not alone in the emergency room desperate for answers, and we will not let you be alone!
Rare Diseases Day 2015 is fast approaching on February 28th and
we'd like to highlight the fact that you are not alone, and neither are we.
A rare disease is a disease that affects less than 200,000 people at any given time. That's 350-million people worldwide who might be battling a different diagnosis, but the fight for advocacy, awareness and research is the same.
That's why we're proud to partner with Global Genes - a leading global rare diseases advocacy organization.
Executive Director Andrea Epstein says when people are starting
their rare disease journey it can be daunting. Collectively, though, she
says the Rare Diseases Community can come together so newcomers feel they 'don't have to
reinvent the wheel.' Epstein says, "Chances are, tools for other rare
diseases may be relevant,” meaning tools for day to day living that are useful
for one disorder can help out another.
Global Genes specifically offers Rare Disease Tool Kits - collaborative resources updated in real time with comments and videos,
focused on awareness, daily management strategies, and more. The idea is to draw on real life experiences so the
next family can immediately benefit.
Took Kits currently available or in the works include:
Epstein says, "One thing we are very proud of is we create
tools that all foundations or individuals can use." She points to Global
Genes 'Blue Denim Ribbon Campaign' as a way everyone can raise
awareness for Rare Diseases Day.
On the heels of Rare Diseases Day, Global Genes is hosting its
first ever Giving Day. 'Give Rare' is March 3rd. It's a day
for the Rare Disease Community to come together in the hopes of raising millions of
dollars for their individual causes. Check out the FPIES Foundation's 'GiveRare' page here:
Epstein says, "It feels really good when you know you have helped a family on their journey and made a difference." We couldn't agree more.
This article was written, and interview conducted by, Victoria
Warren. Victoria is a television news reporter for the NBC affiliate in
Boston, WHDH-TV. Victoria is a parent volunteer with The FPIES Foundation
Volunteer Advisory Board. Follow Victoria on twitter @VWarrenon7.
