On February 28, more than 100 countries will celebrate the 19th annual Rare Diseases Day 2026, a time to raise awareness for the over 300 million people worldwide living with rare diseases.
Patients, families, advocates, and health care professionals come together to share their stories, highlight the challenges of rare conditions, and call for increased funding to advance research and treatment options.
By definition, a “rare disease” is an illness that affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. There are currently over 6,000 known rare diseases that affect millions of people, including an estimated 30 million Americans.
For many living with a rare disease, the journey can be isolating. Patients often face delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and a lack of awareness about their condition. Rare Disease Day helps bring these challenges into the spotlight while reminding those affected that they are not alone.
Mesothelioma is one of many rare diseases recognized on this day, affecting around 3,000 Americans each year. As a national mesothelioma law firm, Sokolove Law is proud to support Rare Disease Day 2026.
When Is Rare Disease Day?
Rare Disease Day is observed on the last day of February each year. This can be February 28 or February 29 — a “rare” day due to leap years.
The initiative was launched in 2008 by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and has since grown through partnerships with organizations around the world, including the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) in the United States.
Now in its 19th year, Rare Disease Day has become a worldwide movement. In 2026, more than 600 events are planned across 106 countries, reflecting the growing international commitment to improving the lives of those with rare diseases.
What Is Rare Diseases Day?
Rare Diseases Day is a global advocacy initiative dedicated to supporting rare disease patients and encouraging governments, researchers, health care providers, and the public to recognize the unique challenges they face.
The goals of Rare Disease Day include:
- Advocating for more research into the causes, diagnosis, and potential treatments of rare diseases
- Connecting patients, families, and caregivers who may otherwise feel isolated in their experiences
- Encouraging policymakers and health leaders to prioritize rare disease initiatives and patient support programs
- Increasing public awareness and visibility of rare conditions and the people living with them
- Improving data collection and understanding, which can help drive funding
Educational events, patient storytelling campaigns, community gatherings, and social media initiatives help encourage policymakers to prioritize rare disease research and bring together people from different backgrounds who share similar experiences.
“Realizing that just one person knows exactly what it feels like and understands what you’re going through can make all the difference. There are always people out there who understand your pain, it’s just a matter of finding them.”
– Anna, Rare Disease Patient
What Is the Rare Diseases Day 2026 Theme?
The official 2026 Rare Disease Day theme is “More Than You Can Imagine.” It reflects on just how many people worldwide are living with a rare disease the profound effects such conditions can have on their daily lives.
Living with a rare disease often comes with physical, emotional, and financial struggles that aren’t always immediately visible. It can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis, access effective treatments, and receive appropriate support.
Rare Disease Day is a call for equity in all aspects of a patient’s life, from health care and education to employment and social support. This day helps ensure that those affected by rare conditions are recognized, supported, and empowered.
Mesothelioma & Rare Disease Day 2026
While the majority of rare diseases are genetic, some are caused by environmental factors. This includes mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that can develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was once widely used in industries like construction and manufacturing. Asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma are entirely preventable, but many companies used this mineral without warning workers of the risks.
Because mesothelioma is so rare, the symptoms of this cancer are often mistaken for more common illnesses, leading to delays in an accurate diagnosis that can limit treatment options.
There is currently no cure for mesothelioma. However, medical advances have improved patient outcomes, with some individuals going on to become long-term survivors. With early detection and access to specialized care, patients may be able to extend their life expectancies.
How Rare Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with approximately 3,000 Americans being diagnosed each year. It accounts for less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S.
Those most at risk include U.S. military veterans, who make up one-third of all mesothelioma patients, as well as others who worked with or around asbestos-containing products.
Recognizing mesothelioma on Rare Disease Day highlights the importance of seeking a second opinion from a specialist to avoid a misdiagnosis, advocating for stricter asbestos regulations to prevent future cases, and supporting research that improves treatment options.
Raising Awareness: The First Step Toward a Better Future
Without due attention, rare diseases don’t get the scientific research, monetary funding, or organizational support necessary to make meaningful steps toward better understanding and treatments.
Increasing the visibility of rare diseases is crucial. Without it, the lack of data and research about these diseases will continue to lead to serious complications, including improper medical treatments and untimely deaths.
Rarity alone makes research incredibly difficult. To make progress on the information we have about these illnesses and the medical hardships they impose, scientific and medical researchers need better data, more funding, and access to patients.
Rare Disease Day is an opportunity for those affected to bring their voices together and be heard by industry executives, health care professionals, and legislators.
How to Show Your Stripes on Rare Disease Day
Patients suffering from rare diseases frequently feel confused and misunderstood — emotions no one should have to face alone. Each year on Rare Disease Day, zebra stripes take center stage as a symbol of solidarity and awareness.
The zebra has become the global symbol for rare diseases because of a well-known medical teaching: “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.”
Doctors are taught to consider common conditions first, but for patients with rare diseases, that mindset can lead to years of missed or delayed diagnoses — which is why awareness for these conditions is so critical.
Here are meaningful ways to show your stripes on Rare Disease Day:
- Wear zebra print clothing or accessories to start conversations at work, school, or in your community
- Share your story on social media using Rare Disease Day hashtags like #RareDiseaseDay, #ShowYourStripes, and #LightUpForRare
- Attend one of the 600+ Rare Diseases Day events happening worldwide
- Join countless buildings and landmarks by lighting up your home or office at 7 PM in Rare Disease Day colors (blue, pink, purple, and green)
- Educate others by sharing facts about rare diseases and the challenges patients face
- Read stories about the realities of living with a rare disease
- Support rare disease organizations through donations, volunteering, or amplifying their campaigns
Showing your stripes is a simple but visible act of solidarity. It sparks conversations, spreads awareness, and reminds patients and families that they are seen.
Even small acts of visibility can help rare conditions feel less invisible. On Rare Disease Day, every stripe counts.
Sokolove Law: Supporting Patients & Research Nationwide
Everyone deserves a voice, especially those affected by rare diseases. By raising awareness and advocating for patients, we can help these conditions receive the attention and funding they need — both from federal and private organizations.
At Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma lawyers have seen firsthand how rare diseases can impact not only patients but entire families.
We’ve helped nearly 10,000 asbestos exposure victims nationwide navigate the aftermath of a devastating and unexpected diagnosis.
If you or a loved one has been affected by mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact our team now. Compensation may be available to help your family afford treatments and other expenses.
