February 28, 2025: Rare Disease Day

WHEREAS, there are approximately 10,000 diseases and conditions that are considered rare, each affecting fewer than 200,000 Americans in the United States according to the National Institutes of Health; and,

WHEREAS, while each of these diseases may affect a small number of people, rare diseases as a group affect almost 30 million Americans and thousands of Michigan residents; and,

WHEREAS, many rare diseases are chronic, progressive, and debilitating, significantly impacting the lives of those affected; and,

WHEREAS, while more than 880 drugs and biologics have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rare diseases, millions of Americans have rare diseases for which no treatments are available; and,

WHEREAS, individuals and families affected by rare diseases often experience challenges such as diagnostic delay, difficulty finding medical experts, and lack of access to treatments or ancillary services; and,

WHEREAS, residents of Michigan are among those affected by rare diseases because nearly one in ten Americans has a rare disease; and,

WHEREAS, the rare disease community is often underrepresented in funding, research, clinical trials, and advocacy efforts, with much of the burden to raise public awareness and support placed on those affected and their families; and, 

WHEREAS, the National Organization for Rare Disorders is organizing a nationwide observance of Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2025; and, 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Michigan.