A past with uncertainty, a future with hope--rare disease day 2014 from a USA perspective

We reflect on the worldwide research accomplishments, orphan product approvals, and the commitments by the rare diseases community. Major collaborative efforts by the public and private sectors increased interventions and diagnostics for rare diseases. We marvel at the impact of safe and effective treatments when they become available. Hope remains for the rare diseases community with a renewed commitment and acceptance of collaborative public-private partnerships of government translational research and regulatory programs, the biopharmaceutical, devices and diagnostics industries, academic investigators, and patient advocacy groups. The global rare diseases community remains strong and responsive to the voices and needs of patients, families, and clinicians awaiting diagnosis and treatment for their disease. We anticipate even greater successes in 2014 to reflect on Rare Disease Day 2015.