Rare diseases are not as rare as one might think—there are more than 6,000 identified rare diseases affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Over 70% of rare diseases have a genetic cause, and as a leading commercial laboratory, we understand the important role we play in the rare disease community. Every day, we provide genetic test results…
February 29th, the rarest day in the calendar, serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for those affected by the rarest of diseases. Rare Disease Day is dedicated to raising awareness about rare diseases and the millions of individuals around the world affected by them. It is also a time to shine a light on the incredible work being done by…
Norma was a healthy, active 65-year-old woman who was rarely sick and had always been proactive about her health. She went to her internist complaining of weight gain, abdominal discomfort, and a chronic cough. When the diagnosis was finally made, Norma had stage 4 ovarian cancer. She endured nine hours of surgery, countless rounds of chemotherapy,…
In several of our posts, the importance of support throughout one’s cancer journey has been discussed. Eve Mart has discussed how she received support from friends and family following her diagnosis of breast cancer, as well as her experience providing support to others. We’ve also offered thoughts from a healthcare provider’s perspective,…