Imagine if every time you searched for an answer, you didn’t find what you were looking for. For those affected by a rare disease, this is an every day reality. On Tuesday, February 28, people all over the world are raising awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives during Rare Disease Day.

Through Spoonflower’s crafting for a cause initiative, we’ve had the opportunity to support children with rare diseases through a partnership with RARE Science. This non-profit research organization focuses on accelerating identification of more immediate therapeutic solutions for kids with rare disease.

In addition to research, RARE Science started the RARE Bear army, a grassroots community-driven outreach initiative where volunteers create one-of-a-kind teddy bears for one-of-a-kind “rare kids.” When we learned RARE Science was using Spoonflower’s custom printing for the bear foot fabric, we couldn’t wait to get involved!

image with text "Calling all quilt guilds, crafters and sewists! Spring into Action for Kids at the RARE Bear Sew-In. Join Spoonflower & RARE Science on March 18. Visit www.rarescience.org to learn more. Bottom of image has logos

Last year, Spoonflower kicked off the first international RARE Bear Sew-In and now we’re counting down the days to the 2017 sew-in on March 18th. Want to show your support for RARE Science and their one-of-a-kind kids?

Whether you’re sewing a RARE Bear on March 18th or writing a letter to your representative, there are so many ways to get involved! We’d love to know how you’re supporting RARE Disease day – comment below to let us know!