I am a little late in mentioning this, but it is important and needs to be noted here.

The National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) has a database providing information for approximately 1200 rare diseases.  The number of rare diseases recognized in the US exceeds 6000.  Many of these diseases result in traumatic experiences and early fatalities due to the lack of funds, resources, drugs, treatments and support.

Rare Diseases Day was initiated in 2008; the USA joined Rare Diseases Day in 2009.

This year, Rare Diseases Day was Feb 28, 2014.  Naomi’s diagnosis, Aplastic Anemia, is a rare disease, affecting only 2 per million. On average 1 in every 20 people is diagnosed with a rare disease.