Becoming a Champion for Rare Disease Patients

At Shire, our mission is to be a champion for the 350 million patients worldwide living with a rare disease. About half of all rare diseases begin in childhood, and many patients endure lifelong suffering. Sadly, rare diseases often result in a shorter lifespan, and around one in three children with a rare disease will not live beyond their fifth birthday. What these figures do not reflect, however, are the untold number of mothers, fathers, friends and family who painstakingly support a loved o