Proclamation for Rare Disease Day (February 28th, 2024)

Whereas Rare Disease Day was established in 2008 and is coordinated by EURORDIS and 65+ national alliance patient organization partners; and

Whereas Rare Disease Day is the globally coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease; and

Whereas Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse, but united in purpose; and

Whereas there are more than 6,000 known rare diseases, including over 200 rare cancer types; and

Whereas up to 5.9% of the population has a rare disease with 79% of these diseases being classified as genetic disorders; and

Whereas Rare Disease Day takes place on the 28^th of February each year and is recognized globally; and

Whereas the colours of Rare Disease Day are blue, green, pink, and purple. Various monuments around the world are lit up in these colours, on the last day of February each year, to show support for individuals living with rare diseases.

Now Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor of the Town of Arnprior, do hereby proclaim February 28, 2024 as Rare Disease Day in the Town of Arnprior and note that the Arnprior and District Museum’s clock tower will be lit up with the colours of blue, green, pink and purple to show our support.