Author Archives: Mary Chapman

From a Zoom book discussion to candle lightings, efforts to mark Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, observed each August, are underway to increase awareness of this rare genetic disease and raise funds to battle it. Supporters are involved in a range of activities that including swapping out their social…

To better understand and address barriers to the implementation of newborn screening across Canada for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) has awarded more than $700,000 to projects in three provinces. This is the first round of awards to come from a collaboration between MDC…

At its first virtual investor event, biotech company Centogene set a bold mission: to cure 100 rare diseases within the next decade. A leader in the field of genetic diagnostics, Centogene used the June 22 event to present its strategic priorities, outlining its plans to speed the discovery…

To help patient advocacy leaders and their partners better understand how global health statistics codes — known as ICD codes — are assigned, updated, and revised in the U.S. health information system, the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases is presenting a first-of-its-kind resource guide. The foundation created the…

Those who wish to gain practical tools for living optimally with rare diseases are encouraged to attend the annual Living Rare Living Stronger Patient and Family Forum, hosted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and set this year for June 26-27. The conference brings together patients,…

Cure SMA is offering free “independence assistance packages” to teenagers and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the U.S. to assist with everyday living or to help make living on their own possible. The Teen & Adult Independence Assistance Package is meant to supplement the nonprofit organization’s…

To help with stress or anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic or other issues, adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the U.S. are being offered up to three half-hour live video sessions with a licensed therapist. The Adults with SMA Virtual Therapy Program is free…

Rare Disease Day at NIH, organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and taking place on March 1, will feature panel discussions, patient stories, research updates, TED-style talks, and a presentation by a Nobel laureate recently recognized for her work on a gene editing tool. The free, virtual…

Scores of virtual events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2021 on Feb. 28. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…

While progress was made last year on newborn screening and other policy issues critical to rare disease patients, a “State Report Card” argues that many concerns — notably out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines and access to affordable comprehensive care — still need attention. Those were the findings of the…