Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February every year (Feb. 28 or 29 if a leap year). The objective is to raise awareness and knowledge by calling attention to rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. Statistics show 1 in 20 people are affected by a rare disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the majority of rare diseases and many go undiagnosed.

To show support, below, U.S. Pain Foundation has provided various ways to become engaged within your community or worldwide. U.S. Pain feels this day of recognition falls in line with the organization’s mission to connect, inform, empower and educate chronic pain and invisible illnesses.

A few ways to participate include becoming a friend, telling your own personal story, posting pics and sharing about your rare disease. You can also help by hosting an information table in your local community by contacting [email protected]. Or, get involved at events worldwide by visiting http://rarediseaseday.us/events.

In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, hosts a Rare Disease Day event every year. Prior registration is required. Ambassador Dawn Stancliff, who hosted a table last year, will again be hosting a table this year.