kid with rare disease hugging dad

PPD Recognizes Rare Disease Day

Helping deliver life-changing therapies is at the heart of what we do

On Rare Disease Day, along with every other day of the year, we work together to support patients, families and caregivers through the clinical trial process in hopes of improving quality of life and ultimately finding a cure. Progress is made through passion, sacrifice and relentless dedication.

Below are a few stories shared by our colleagues on how rare diseases have shaped their lives and why they work to advance rare disease clinical research.

Stories from our colleagues

Sr. Strategic Solutions Lead

Kari Ruconich

On Rare Disease Day, Kari Ruconich shares a powerful story of her family’s journey with the Undiagnosed Disease Network to obtain a rare disease diagnosis for her daughter Abagail. At age 11, Abagail was formally diagnosed with Femoral Facial Syndrome and is the 93rd documented case.

Marketing Manager

Mimi Chan

Mimi shares how her family has been personally impacted by advancements in clinical research for spinal muscular dystrophy, a rare disease.

Executive Medical Director, Rare Disease

Galina Nesterova

In this video, Dr. Nesterova’s daughter shares a poem of what Rare Disease Day means to their family.

Vice President, Neuroscience & Rare Disease

Tanya Colhoun

Tanya Colhoun shares what working in Rare Disease clinical research has meant to her over the years.

More stories from our colleagues

I have been in the clinical research industry for over 20 years and have been so proud to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals bringing new therapies to market for those that desperately need it. On this Rare Disease Day, I share purple, to celebrate my mom, Lata, diagnosed last year with #Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disease. My mom has always loved the color purple and this year we all dressed in her favorite color to celebrate her 70th year around the sun. This picture is of my mom and my oldest son sharing a sweet moment on her day. It is my hope that I can report to my mom that we have a clinical trial for her and the rest of the patients out there who suffer from this terrible disease, and one day a cure.

Learn more about how PPD alleviates the burdens of rare diseases.