Zebra print ribbon
The zebra print ribbon is the emblem for neuroendocrine tumors including carcinoid cancer, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, and awareness of other rare diseases.
Neuroendocrine tumors
The zebra ribbon is used for neuroendocrine tumor[1] (NET) awareness including carcinoid cancer.[2][3]
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
The zebra ribbon is used for awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), which are a group of genetic connective tissue illnesses.[4]
Rare Disease Day
The zebra-print ribbon has been popularized by Rare Disease Day,[5] also known as Rare Disease Awareness Day, which began in 2008.[6][7] The date of February 29 was chosen because it is a "rare day" due to the leap year.[8] On years that are not a leap year, Rare Disease Day is held on February 28th.[9]
Zebras
Zebras were chosen as a mascot for rare diseases because of the saying "when you hear the sound of hoofbeats, look for horses, not zebras" As these diseases and disorders are rare, they are considered zebras.[3]
References
- "More Things Zebra for the Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Community: From the Everyday to the Extraordinary". Carcinoid Cancer Foundation. 2012-05-14. Retrieved 2020-06-07.
- Gonzalez, Maria J. (2013-05-23). But You Look so Good...: Stories by Carcinoid Cancer Survivors. iUniverse. ISBN 978-1-4759-8134-6.
- "The Origin Of The Zebra – No Two NET Cancer Patients Are The Same". Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network. Retrieved 2020-06-07.
- EDS-F, Bitterlin (2017-06-13). "Zebra Ribbon". EDS-Foundation Netherlands (in Dutch). Retrieved 2020-06-07.
- "NORD Issues New Rare Disease DayⓇ Rallying Cry: Show Your Stripes™!". NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). 2019-01-16. Retrieved 2020-06-07.
- Parisse-Brassens, Jerome (December 2007). "29 February 2008: First European Rare Disease Day". European Organisation for Rare Diseases. Archived from the original on September 29, 2008. Retrieved 14 February 2009.
- "History of Rare Disease Day". National Organization for Rare Disorders.
- Parisse-Brassens, Jerome (December 2007). "29 February 2008: First European Rare Disease Day". European Organisation for Rare Diseases. Archived from the original on May 23, 2009. Retrieved 14 February 2009.
- "February 29th Is The First Rare Disease Day". Medical News Today. 28 February 2008. Retrieved 14 February 2009.