On February 28, we hope you'll join us in observing World Rare Disease Day. This is the perfect time of year to show your support for rare groups, such as the GAND community! To date, GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND) has been identified in over 185 individuals worldwide. More than 90% of them are children. Despite being such a small group, we typically see an increase of 30-40 new cases identified every year.

Helping Hands for GAND was established in 2015 with a mission to support individuals and families affected by GAND, to increase awareness, and to work toward research and treatment opportunities to enrich the lives of those with this rare genetic condition. This year, we're asking you to partner with us to send 100% of this campaign's proceeds directly to GAND research projects.

Due to the generosity of supporters like you, Helping Hands for GAND awarded $60,000 in grants in 2019 to GAND research projects studying human cellular and animal models of GAND. This research is vital to better understanding GAND and pursuing possible treatment options in the future. We are pleased with the progress being made, and we hope you'll agree with us that we must help keep this work going in 2021.

To make a lasting impact, we need donors like you to support our efforts. We also need fundraisers like you to set up your own fundraising page for this campaign and share with your family, friends, and co-workers. You can even captain your own fundraising team! Share your story! Tell us how GAND has impacted you or your loved ones. Help us raise awareness and support for this rare disorder while funding research which can give us new insights into our children's challenges!

Please set up your personal campaign page today. It's fast and simple! To show our appreciation, we will send 5 silicone awareness bands to everyone who joins the campaign and shares their personal fundraising page to social media. In order to receive your bands, be sure your post is made public and tag Helping Hands for GAND (@GATAD2B). Wristbands will be shipped in March.

What are you waiting for? Get started on your personal campaign now! Let's work together to make a rare impact for the GAND community!