One in 10 Americans suffer from a rare disease, and 30 percent of children diagnosed with one of these so-called “orphan diseases” won’t live to see their fifth birthdays. It’s horrifying statistics like these that have inspired physicians across the Centennial State to research the often overlooked field even further. In fact, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus recently received a “Rare Disease Center of Excellence” designation from the National Organization of Rare Disorders, affirming what seems to be a step in the right direction. Still, people with a rare disease won’t receive a diagnosis for eight years, on average. And with little to no financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies to create drugs for these diseases—plus additional hurdles with insurance companies rarely covering treatment—patients with rare diseases currently face countless roadblocks on the path to care. At the link in our bio, we sat down with local patients, doctors, scientists, and politicians to learn how Colorado might be at the forefront of change for patients in need of hope. ✍️: @barbaraurzua_ 📷: by @danieljbrenner (1–3), @james.stukenberg (4); makeup + hair by @dajavumakeup (3) ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #5280 #5280magazine #denver #denvercolorado #colorado #raredisease #rarediseases #rarediseaseawareness