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 no two zebras have identical markings; their stripes are believed to be as unique as fingerprints.[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.