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Boston Globe's Second Annual Rare Disease Summit

On February 24, 2026, The Boston Globe will host its much-anticipated second annual Rare Disease Summit at Big Night Live in downtown Boston. Kicking off at 9:30 a.m. ET, this significant gathering aims to bring together advocates, researchers, and industry leaders devoted to making strides in the rare disease community.

Building on the success of the inaugural summit, this year's event promises to be an engaging platform for stakeholders from various sectors. Attendees can expect to hear from expert panels, witness live podcast recordings, and participate in networking sessions — all designed to foster collaboration and spur innovations in treatment and care.

Erika Hale Smith, Vice President of Events & Sponsorships for Boston Globe Media, expressed enthusiasm about the summit's potential. She emphasized, “Our commitment lies in connecting the community with the region's leaders in health and medicine. The discussions that unfold during our events often lead to impactful changes for those navigating rare diseases.”

Key Sessions to Look Forward To

The agenda for the summit includes a diverse range of topics relevant to the rare disease landscape, focusing on both patient experiences and professional insights. Some highlighted sessions are:

• - Living It, Leading It: Exploring how personal experiences with rare diseases transform into professional advocacy.
• - Stronger Together: A look into effective decision-making strategies in the context of genetic skeletal conditions.
• - Coast to Coast Innovation Without Borders: Showcasing innovative practices and programs across regions.
• - Mental Health in Rare Disease: Addressing the often-overlooked psychological impacts of living with rare diseases.
• - Generation Rare: Fostering a new dialogue led by young advocates who are pushing for change.
• - Recognizing the Realities of Hypoparathyroidism: Focusing on patient needs and needs for increased advocacy in rare cancers and diseases.

This summit is organized in partnership with Biotech Tuesday! and is proudly supported by leading sponsors such as Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Ascendis Pharma, BioMarin, Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, and Rocket Pharma.

How to Participate

Local attendees are encouraged to join the event in person, with a complimentary lunch included. Tickets are available for purchase online, where a discount code PR can be applied for 15% off in-person tickets. For those wishing to attend virtually, registration is completely free. To secure your spot at this pivotal gathering, visit globe.com/raredisease today.

As The Boston Globe continues to serve as a critical voice in the community, the Rare Disease Summit stands as a testament to its commitment to advocacy and innovation in healthcare. With a proud history spanning over 153 years, The Boston Globe remains a leader in journalism that informs, educates, and connects the public. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of conversations that may lead to groundbreaking developments in the field of rare diseases.