In recognition of this milestone, the 2023 Rare Impact Awards will feature a 40th Anniversary Celebration and will be hosted in our nation’s capital, the place where rare disease patients and families testified in front of Congress to pass the Orphan Drug Act in 1983. This very special event will celebrate NORD’s legacy and achievements, and honor those individuals and organizations doing remarkable work on behalf of the rare disease community. The awards ceremony will take place at the National Portrait Gallery on May 4, 2023 beginning at 6:00pm.
Questions? Contact NORD
We’re pleased announce that Emmy Award-winning journalist and NBC News Chief White House correspondent, Peter Alexander, will be joining us as the host of the 2023 Rare Impact Awards and NORD’s 40th Anniversary celebration.
Peter Alexander has a personal connection to the rare community. His sister, Rebecca, has Usher syndrome, type III, a rare genetic disorder that is the leading genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness in the US and around the world. His reports on the impact of Rebecca’s rare condition and those who love her speak to the experiences of millions of Americans living with rare disease.
We’re so pleased to welcome CeeCee and Christian Guardino as our musical performers for the 2023 Rare Impact Awards.
Catherine “CeeCee” Castro, a childhood cancer survivor of acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a singer-songwriter influenced by Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Selena, whose style is a unique blend of R&B and Soul with Latin influences. She has performed the national anthem at the famous Madison Square Garden, sung for Coca-Cola Latin America, and worked with Grammy Award-winning producers and artists. Lately, she has been performing with her band across the New York Tribeca area promoting her song “Sin Ti.”
Christian is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter who overcame blindness after receiving a then-experimental gene therapy at age 13. You may have seen Christian during his impressive run on American Idol’s 20th season, where he finished in the Top 7. He also received Howie Mandel’s golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent Season 16, where he finished in the semi-finals. He won Amateur Night at The Apollo and appeared on Fox’s Showtime at The Apollo. He has been headlining shows across the country, wowing crowds with his powerful and soulful vocals. Christian touches lives everywhere he goes with his music, his humble nature, and inspirational story. Listen to one of Christian’s singles, “Higher,” here.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Abbey S. Meyers Leadership Award
Rare Impact Award
Rare Impact Award
Rare Impact Award
Rare Impact Award
Rare Impact Award
bluebird bio for Skysona®
CSL Behring and uniQure for Hemgenix®
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals for Terlivaz®
Marinus Pharmaceuticals for Ztalmy®
Novartis for Vijoice®
Sanofi for Xenpozyme™
