Why Zebras?
A fitting mascot for Rare Disease Day
Doctors are often taught
“When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.”
The idea is that we should look for the simplest explanation for things. But for people with rare diseases, that simple explanation doesn’t cut it.
We need our doctors to think beyond horses, beyond common conditions, to the rare diseases like sarcoidosis that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the US.
Since they’re so rare, most people don’t know about them. Medical students don’t learn much about them. Researchers don’t study them. That all leads to longer times to diagnosis, fewer treatments, and poorer outcomes. That all needs to change.
That’s why it’s so important for us to join together, raise our voices, and raise awareness.
In total, there are over 10,000 recognized rare diseases, affecting over 350 million people worldwide. However, more than 95% of rare diseases are still without an FDA-approved treatment.
We need awareness. We need research. We need funding. We need you.
Show your stripes to support people living with rare diseases. Support organizations like National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD), which work to research, educate, support, and advocate for the rare community. Learn about rare diseases at more than 50 Bionews community sites. Read Kaleidoscope: Rare Disease Stories to hear directly from rare disease patients and support NORD. Share what you’ve seen, read, heard. There’s a good chance you’ll reach someone else who needs it.
