Rare at the Fair! Come see us at the Minnesota State Fair from 5pm-9pm in the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) booth in the Education Building.

Chat with MNRDAC staff, legislators, and supporters on why Rare is not Rare. Share your stories and find ways to spread awareness and support the drive for improved legislation surrounding rare diseases. And, don’t’ forget to come get your own adorable “Rare is not rare” zebra ears!

Why zebras?

The zebra mascot widely represents the rare disease community as medical professionals are taught the phrase “When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras,” so that they should first consider more common diagnoses rather than rare ones. However, the zebra mascot emphasizes that sometimes, the diagnosis is indeed a “zebra”—a rare condition and shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council is tasked with promoting awareness and ensuring those with rare diseases receive appropriate consideration and care. 1 in 10 Minnesotans have a rare disease, truly proving that “Rare is not rare.”