The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which combines education, advocacy, and community to provide a unified voice for asbestos victims, will be joining the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and others around the world in observing Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2012. On this day, millions of patients and their families will share their stories and focus a spotlight on rare diseases as an important global public health concern.

“A rare disease’ is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans. Tragically, mesothelioma, a cancer caused from asbestos, claims the lives of more than 3,000 Americans every year so, while rare, it is a very meaningful disease for those who are affected,” stated Linda Reinstein, ADAO President and Co-founder.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization represents patients and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. ADAO remains committed to education, advocacy and community support for patients, families, and those exposed to asbestos throughout the United States and abroad. Preventing exposure is the only cure for asbestos-related diseases.

World Rare Disease Day was launched in Europe five years ago and last year was observed in 56 nations. It is always observed on the last day of February. On that day, patients and patient organizations will post stories, videos, and blogs online and host events to raise awareness of these diseases, which are often called “orphans.”  According to the organization’s press release, the day is an opportunity around the world for “rare disease patient organisations and their partners

[to] join forces to promote awareness about rare diseases and the millions of people affected by them.”

Join ADAO by uploading your ‘Raise your hands’ photo on to http://www.rarediseaseday.org/article/joining-hands-around-world.

Every year Rare Disease Day has a specific theme worldwide. This year the theme is solidarity and the official slogan is “Rare but Strong Together.” For more information about Rare Disease Day activities in the U.S., go to www.rarediseaseday.us. For information about global activities, go to www.rarediseaseday.org.

In unity,

Linda

Linda Reinstein’s Social Networks

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