National Organization for Rare Disorders

NORD has served as the primary non-governmental clearinghouse for information on rare disorders. NORD also provides referrals support groups and other sources of assistance. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. A rare or “orphan” disease affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. There are more than 6,000 rare disorders that, taken together, affect approximately 25 million Americans. NORD provides information about diseases, referrals to patient organizations, research grants and fellowships, advocacy for the rare-disease community, and Medication Assistance Programs that help needy patients obtain certain drugs they could not otherwise afford.