Every year, Genzyme is a proud supporter of International Rare Disease Day, a patient association-led awareness day established by EURORDIS in 2008, now supported by NORD and rare disease groups in more than 60 countries worldwide. 

Rare Disease Day is observed on the last day of February – this year on the 28th. The theme for Rare Disease Day 2013 is “Rare Disorders Without Borders.” 

On February 28th, Genzyme employees around the world will be participating in a Rare Disease Day Relay, which includes a cycling event in the Netherlands and running events in Ireland and across four Massachusetts locations.  

The Rare Disease Day Relay is being coordinated by the Genzyme Running Team (GRT) which includes the Genzyme Boston Marathon team, a group of employees who have run the Boston Marathon for the past five years and have raised more than $185,000 to support NORD and rare disease awareness.  The 2013 marathon team is running the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.  To learn more, visit http://runningforrarediseases.org/home/

The Rare Disease Day Virtual 5k is an event for those who cannot participate in the Rare Disease Day Relay in person or would prefer to participate through an activity other than running.  Since the event is virtual, you can complete it wherever you want, however you want, and whenever you want on February 28th. You can walk, jog, run, bike, or even swim.  You could even use a machine at the gym if that’s what works for you.  Just find an activity you like and set a distance, time, or goal appropriate for you and your activity to accomplish.  We simply ask that you partake in some form of activity on Rare Disease Day in support of all those whose lives are impacted by rare diseases.  We also encourage participants to coordinate with other colleagues to organize a time during the day to complete the event together.  We will be setting up a post/page on the day of the event for you to share comments, posts, and photos on where and how you participated. 

The goal of these Rare Disease Day events is to raise awareness of rare diseases and support NORD through the engagement and solidarity of Genzyme employees, patients, and friends around the world.

"Alone we are rare, together we are strong."