Did you know that with 2024 being a leap year, Rare Disease Day falls on 29 February, a rare day. In support of those living with rare diseases, the Rare Disease Fund has a campaign that aims to raise funds and awareness of rare diseases.
Managed by the KKH Health Fund (KKHHF), a part of the SingHealth Fund and supported by the Ministry of Health, Rare Disease Fund is a charity fund dedicated to alleviating the financial strain imposed by costly medication that families bear.
In Singapore, up to 3,000 individuals are diagnosed with a rare disease, of which approximately 700 of them are children.
About 80 per cent of rare diseases are genetic, and only five per cent have effective treatment.
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#LightUpforRare: Light Up in Blue on 29 Feb to Support Those Living with Rare Diseases
This year, the Rare Disease Fund is joined by Rare Disease Society Singapore and Genetics Service at KKH to participate in #LightUpforRare, a global landmark illumination spearheaded by the Rare Voices Australia.
In partnership with eight organisations, prominent landmarks like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer will be illuminated in hues of blue, in light of the millions living with rare diseases and their families.
Other landmarks participating in #LightUpforRare include
- South Beach Tower
- Ten Square, Landmark of Good
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- National Gallery Singapore
- Helix Bridge
- Singapore Sports Hub
The blue illuminations will take place from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Showing Support for Patients with Rare Diseases
From now till 20 March, members of the public who would like to support patients with rare diseases can make a donation on Giving.sg.
Or they can opt to set up a fundraising campaign on Giving.sg for the Rare Disease Fund by with the following steps:
- Log in or sign up for an account on giving.sg
- Select “Fundraise Now” in the menu bar
- Choose “Rare Disease Fund” under “I’m fundraising for”
- Enter title, fundraising goal and campaign description
- Upload Media – Add images or YouTube video link
- Key in campaign duration
- Generate campaign URL
- Submit for approval
Additionally, they can also help to raise awareness by posting on Instagram using the #RaiseforRare Instagram filter and stickers.
They may share words of motivation for patients with rare diseases using the #RaiseForRare Instagram Filter and GIFs.
To do so, they can search “#RaiseForRare” on the IG Effects Gallery or find the AR filter from @rarediseasefundsingapore. Then select the filter and incorporate RDF stickers when posting an Instagram story or post on their personal social media platforms.
Be sure to tag @rarediseasefundsingapore and use the hashtag #RaiseForRare to help spread awareness about rare diseases.
For more information on the RDF, please visit the official website here.
