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Rare Disease Foundation Part of International Movement
The Rare Disease Foundation is part of an interntional rare disease community dedicated to the theme of Solidarity - the need for collaboration and mutual support in the field of rare diseases. Rare Disease Day events are taking place in countries around the world. The focus of 'Rare But Strong Together' echoes that of the Rare Disease Foundation's own mission of researchers, caregivers and families working together to find solutions.
Two major events are happening in Canada for Rare Day. The…

Gene find could help those diagnosed with Joubert Syndrome.
This article not only highlights the great scientific research being done on rare diseases in Canada but also discusses some of the issues facing those suffering with a rare disease.
Café Scientifique is where you can have a drink and learn about the latest ideas and issues in science and technology in an informal setting. It’s not a lecture! It’s a place for group discussion and audience involvement is the most important ingredient.
Go to http://cafe-rare.mcgill-cihr-ig.ca/ to join the webcast discussion
Being diagnosed with a rare disease, such as an uncommon genetic disorder or an unusual infectious or autoimmune disease, can be a
lonely and frightening experience. Because of their rarity, these illnesses are often poorly understood, and don't generally inspire big fundraising campaigns in the same way that more common diseases do. As a result, the people affected by rare diseases often feel abandoned.
But that could change. When you consider the cumulative impact of the thousands of rare…

Ian Brown on NY Times 10 Best Books of 2011
Ian Brown's book, The Boy in the Moon, an account of his life with his son Walker who has Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome, was selected as one of the NY Times' 10 Best Books of 2011. Ian has spoken several times to the Rare Disease Foundation Parents 2 Parents group, including a "Fathers Only" evening in October 2011.
NY Times 10 Best Books of 2011
A Father's Journey to Understand His Extraordinary Son.
By Ian Brown. St. Martin's Press, $24.99.
A feature writer at The Globe and Mail in Toronto, Brown combines a reporter's curiosity with a novelist's instinctive feel for the unknowable in this exquisite book, an account - at once tender, pained and unexpectedly funny - of his son, Walker, who was born with a rare genetic mutation that has deprived him of even the most rudimentary…
Watch this space for microgrant round recipient results...
The Rare Disease Foundation just closed its most recent round of Microgrant allocations, with proposals received from across Canada. Watch this space to find out which research projects will be funded. In the coming weeks we will highlight some of our current and past research grant awardees as we lead up to Rare Disease Day on February 29th 2012!
Our Microgrant Program provides funding to inspired clinicians and researchers for patient-focused projects. Our goal is to support research that…
Translational Care and the Rare Disease Foundation - video
Dr. Millan Patel, Rare Disease Foundation Research Director, explains our research point of view and a few of our research projects are highlighted.
Canucks for Kids Fund announces grants following record year
The Rare Disease Foundation is very grateful to the Canucks for Kids Fund for the generous grant received from them.
The Vancouver Sun on July 23rd reports on some good news for those suffering from Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH)
Canadians suffering from a fatal and ultra-rare blood disease are elated the governemtn has decided to pay for the life-saving drug they need. Read more on the Vancouver Sun website.
Recent Comments
- Ian Brown on NY Time…It was a great talk he gave at the father's group. Hopefully we get a chance to hear him speak again.... I walked away with quite a few insightful…
- Ian Brown on NY Time…Looks like a good read!
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