What is A Rare Disorder?
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. For almost twenty years, 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. Our Sources of Funding NORD is not a government agency. It is a non-profit, voluntary health agency that exists to serve rare-disease patients and their families. Our primary sources of funding are contributions, membership fees, and revenues from the sale of our products, such as our books and Rare Disease Database reports. Most of the money donated to NORD goes directly to programs and services. Copies of our annual report are available upon request. Founded in 1983 NORD was established in 1983 by patients and families who worked together to get the Orphan Drug Act passed. This legislation provides fina
