CHANGEMAKERS Evelyn Leigh CHANGEMAKERS Evelyn Leigh

Dr. David Fajgenbaum: How one doctor turned hope into action to treat his own rare disease

Dr. David Fajgenbaum was in his third year of medical school when a rare and mysterious illness derailed his plans. Crushing fatigue, abdominal pain, and multiple swollen lymph nodes progressed rapidly, and he found himself in the ICU with multiple system organ failure. Recovering from the brink of death, he was diagnosed with Castleman disease (CD), a rare condition that at the time was thought to be a lymph node disease with similarities to cancer.

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REAL STORIES Chris Anselmo REAL STORIES Chris Anselmo

Living Your Dreams When Living with Rare Disease: How Chris Anselmo Learned to Follow His Heart

After his diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B at age 21, Chris initially opted for a safe career path, choosing jobs with steady income, benefits, and predictability. However, this decision made him feel like something was missing. Find out how Chris was finally able to follow his heart, finding purpose and contentment in becoming a writer.

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NEWS Know Rare Team NEWS Know Rare Team

Latest News in Sickle Cell Disease

Find out about 7 research areas identified as priorities in Sickle Cell Research and about a sickle cell disease drug, which was originally approved for treatment, that has been taken off the market.

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ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT Nina Wachsman ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT Nina Wachsman

Organization Spotlight: Bliss Health

It’s no secret that it is difficult to get to a pain medicine specialist. There are just so many people in pain who cannot find relief, and are looking for help. Learn about Bliss Health, which provides access to pain management services through virtual consultations, through a dedicated team of medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various types of chronic and acute pain conditions.

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NEWS Nina Wachsman NEWS Nina Wachsman

Perceptions of Pain: Research Shows It’s Personal

There are over 50 million people in the United States that live with chronic pain. However, researchers studying pain have learned something important: perception of pain is personal, and may have more to do with other factors than just the physical cause of the pain.

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CHANGEMAKERS Gina D. Wagner CHANGEMAKERS Gina D. Wagner

Changemakers in Rare: Becca Salky

At age 15, Becca Salky became her own medical detective, playing a key role in uncovering her diagnosis. Now, as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, she focuses on spreading awareness about MOG, finding better diagnostic tools, leading clinical trials, and fighting gender disparity. 

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