To join our student club, fill out this form.

Mission and Vision

To be a voice and advocate for patients who suffer not only from their rare disease but from the effects of the lack of education on that rare disease. 

To form new networks to pool resources and expertise to improve rare cancer research. 

To engage the Durham undergraduate population, many of whom will enter healthcare, on rare cancer topics and foster interest. 

To increase awareness on recognition, education, and advocate for our community’s health and equity. 

To engage undergraduates, researchers, and the community in increasing awareness of rare diseases, which is impactful in improving quality of life for people suffering from rare diseases. 

Initiatives

• Host rare disease experience panels (inviting patients and patient advocates to share their stories and experiences with rare diseases).
• Host researcher/medical provider panels on approaching rare disease research, how to get involved in rare disease research, the importance of understanding disparities in rare diseases, etc.
• Creation of Duke and NCCU Rare Disease Researcher Directory for student contact and collaboration.
• Training sessions by patients and patient advocates for students to become community advocates for rare cancers.
• Collaboration with Awareness of Rare Cancers (ARC) events.
• Awareness events, such as tabling for Rare Disease Day.
• Medical student affinity group involvement.
• Interdisciplinary student involvement

Upcoming Events

• Rare Disease Day Tabling – February 28, 2025 on BC Plaza
• Weekly Professional Development Series: Building Future Leaders in Research and Community Engagement – Wednesday dinners 5-7pm

President: Kate Reddy (’25)

Vice President: Hillary Hsu (’25)

Secretary: Violet Tan (MD ’27)

Treasurer: Giuliana Mesarick (’26)