2023 Assembly Joint Resolution 111
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: observing February 29, 2024, as Rare Disease Day in Wisconsin.
Whereas, there are nearly 7,000 diseases and conditions considered rare (each affecting fewer
than 200,000 Americans) in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH);
and
Whereas, while each of these diseases may affect small numbers of people, rare diseases as
a group affect approximately 25 to 30 million Americans; and
Whereas, many rare diseases are serious and debilitating conditions that have a significant
impact on the lives of those affected; and
Whereas, while more than 800 drugs and biologics have been approved for the treatment of
rare diseases according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), millions of Americans still
have rare diseases for which there is no approved treatment; and
Whereas, individuals and families affected by rare diseases often experience problems such
as diagnosis delay, difficulty finding a medical expert, and lack of access to treatments or ancillary
services; and
Whereas, while the public is familiar with some rare diseases, many patients and families
affected by less widely known rare diseases bear a large share of the burden of funding research and
raising public awareness to support the search for treatments; and
Whereas, residents of Wisconsin are among those affected by rare diseases because nearly one
in 10 Americans have rare diseases; and
Whereas, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is organizing a nationwide
observance of Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That February 29, 2024, will be observed
as Rare Disease Day in Wisconsin.
Senator Chris Kapenga
President of the Senate
Representative Robin J. Vos
Speaker of the Assembly
Date
Edward A. Blazel
Assembly Chief Clerk