Research

NORD Living Rare Study

The Superficial Siderosis Research Alliance is a member of the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD). The mission of NORD is to improve the health and well-being of people with rare diseases by driving advances in policy, research, and care. The Orphan Drug Act defines a rare disease as a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Superficial Siderosis (SS) is an ultra-rare disorder as it affects fewer than 50,000 patients in the USA. Current estimates indicate that superficial siderosis affects approximately 300 people in the USA, or one out of every million people.

Why NORD Matters

NORD has created the first-ever large-scale longitudinal study in the U.S. examining how the experiences and challenges of people impacted by rare disease change over time. Rare disease is a public health issue, but we lack the data to prove it. By participating in the study and sharing your information, you’ll help NORD show the significant unmet needs of the community, find solutions, and advocate for greater support.

Who Can Participate

NORD is seeking individuals who live in the United States and have been diagnosed with a rare disease, suspect they may have a rare disease, or are caregivers for someone with a rare disease. The more people who join the Living Rare Study®, the more powerful the data becomes—helping fuel changes that the rare disease community needs and deserves!

How You Can Help

Data drives change, so we are asking you to consider joining and participating in this important study.


If you are living with superficial siderosis, your experience matters. Please complete the NORD Living Rare Study® survey to help document the real-world challenges our community faces and to strengthen advocacy for better care and research. Add your voice today at https://livingrarestudy.org/.

Show More

Wes Hale

Wes Hale serves as the Patient Advocate Representative with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) on behalf of the Superficial Siderosis Research Alliance. As a superficial siderosis patient himself, Wes understands the daily challenges and roadblocks that come with this diagnosis. A lifelong music lover, he enjoys attending concerts and events with his wife, balancing his advocacy work with moments of joy and connection.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button