Putting the spotlight on rare diseases (BPT) - For people with a
rare and serious disease, the journey to getting an accurate
diagnosis and confirming a proper treatment regimen can be
arduous. Rare diseases, including some cancers, can be difficult
to diagnose because symptoms are often misleading, misunderstood
or misinterpreted. As a result, it can sometimes take years for
patients to reach a correct diagnosis and begin the path to
proper care. In order to raise awareness of rare diseases and
the specific challenges faced by patients and their loved ones,
February 29, 2012 has been designated as Rare Disease Day. On
this day, hundreds of patient organizations from more than 40
countries come together to honor the fifth annual international
Rare Disease Day. These groups will hold events around the world
to drive awareness of lesser-known illnesses under the theme of
"Rare but strong together." By joining together, patients and
their families will have one unified voice to help spread
awareness throughout t