More than 350 million people around the world are affected by a rare disease—and we at ZS are committed to doing something about it.
World Rare Disease Day (WRDD), recognized annually on the last day of February, helps raise awareness for the people and families affected by the more than 7,000 rare diseases worldwide. While some ZSers are very familiar with this important cause, working side-by-side with clients to help them develop and deliver therapies to combat these diseases—all ZSers rally around an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
This year, ZSers participated in a global campaign spearheaded by Global Genes, a non-profit organization that connects, empowers and inspires the rare disease community. Global Genes encouraged people to show how they “care about rare” by posting to social media, attending local events or simply wearing jeans to work!
What do jeans have to do with anything? Well, given the fact that 80 percent of rare diseases are a result of gene abnormalities—it seemed fitting to support this cause with a different kind of “gene.” Our ZSers rose to the occasion, donning their finest pairs of blue jeans and partnering with ZS Cares to donate dozens of jeans to local charities.
“Little things can make a big difference. What started as a small idea about how we could recognize WRDD at ZS quickly grew into a global campaign to support the cause,” said Philadelphia-based Principal Michael Thomas. “We had such incredible participation and enthusiasm from ZSers around the world and can only hope our modest contribution will help create an even bigger impact.”
See photos of ZSers coming together to recognize and support WRDD.
