What a Bracelet Can Do to Help Children

April 04, 2011

What affects 250 million people, mostly children, and is considered rare?  Rare Disease.  Over 7,000 diseases are classified as Rare Diseases.  Drug companies, universities, and other research organizations just don't spend much time, if any, on finding treatments or cures for these diseases, because when money is spent it's usually spent where it will do good for the most people.  That was not something the families of the children and adults with rare diseases are willing to accept.  Who would?

In January 2010 a grass roots organization was started called the Global Genes Project.  The value of a large group means they'll be able to raise awareness and money.  The name comes from the fact that they believe the answer lies in their genes.
 
 
Currently they are running an awareness campaign called 7000 BraceletsEach of the artists participating will create one bracelet and that bracelet will go to one of 7,000 participating families in December 2011.  I am participating not because I know someone personally with a rare disease, but because my life is blessed and as the saying goes, there, but for the grace of God...

Lori Anderson, a jewelry artist and an adult who suffers from one of these rare diseases, is running a Blog Hop that will run April 16th.  Those participating in the hop will show the blue jean inspired bracelet they are sending in for this event to support the children and families affected.  If you would like to participate in the Blog Hop, you must be able to complete your bracelet by April 16th and can get the rest of the details in this blog post from Lori.

Their slogan?  Hope.  It's in our Genes.