Nominations Now Being Accepted for NORD® 2018 Rare Impact Awards Recognizing Those Who Are Leading Efforts to Help People with Rare Diseases

DANBURY, Conn. and WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Do you know a person or company that is making a difference in the fight against rare diseases?  Submit a nomination for the 2018 Rare Impact Awards by January 12:  rarediseases.org/rare-impact-awards.

The Rare Impact Awards celebrates efforts to help the 30 million Americans with rare diseases who, by the very nature of their diagnoses, may be overlooked by traditional medicine, research and healthcare policies. Awards are presented in May at the annual Gala Celebration and fundraiser, hosted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)®, the leading independent advocacy organization representing all patients and families affected by rare diseases.

"We are honored to bring together the community and supporters for this special event," said NORD president and CEO Peter L. Saltonstall. "People who dedicate their lives to rare diseases must overcome obstacles to make a difference.  We look forward to sharing their inspiring stories and renewing our shared commitment to further progress."

In recognition of the 35^th anniversaries of NORD and the Orphan Drug Act, the 2018 Rare Impact Awards will be given out in four categories that match the four pillars of the NORD's mission, with two awards issued in each category: 

• Advocacy
• Education
• Research
• Patient Assistance 

A committee of NORD staff and Board of Directors will review the nominations and determine the winners, who will join the esteemed company of previous honorees that include patients, caregivers, patient advocacy groups, researchers, healthcare professionals, legislators, regulators, bioethicists and innovators. 

Winners will be recognized at the 2018 Rare Impact Awards Gala Celebration and fundraiser on May 17 in Washington, D.C.  To learn more, visit rareimpact.org/awards.

About the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)®

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)^® is the leading independent advocacy organization representing all patients and families affected by rare diseases.  NORD is committed to the identification, treatment and cure of the 7,000 rare diseases that affect 30 million Americans, or 1 in every 10 people.  NORD began as a small group of patient advocates that formed a coalition to unify and mobilize support to pass the Orphan Drug Act of 1983. For more than 30 years, NORD has led the way in voicing the needs of the rare disease community, driving supportive policies and education, advancing medical research, and providing patient and family services for those who need them most.  NORD represents more than 260 disease-specific member organizations and their communities and collaborates with many other organizations in specific causes of importance to the rare disease patient community.

SOURCE National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Related Links

http://www.rarediseases.org