Raise awareness and support rare disease sufferers and their whānau by donating to NZORD

I was diagnosed with type 2 Achalasia in 2017. Achalasia is a rare disorder of the oesophagus that impairs an individual's ability to push food and drink into their stomach. Due to its rarity, I often struggle to explain to others how Achalasia impacts my daily life. Dealing with a medical condition becomes even more difficult when it's not visible and very few people understand its symptoms and treatment.

Those suffering with rare disorders often don't have access to the same level of healthcare as others and are not met with the same level of sympathy from their communities. As a result they lack necessary support and their mental health is impacted.

NZORD is New Zealand's only organisation that works on behalf of those living with rare disorders. Among other initiatives, the organisation increases understanding of rare disorders, connects sufferers and their whānau with necessary avenues of support and advocates for a more equitable healthcare system.

This Ramadan I would love to donate to NZORD with the help of my friends and whānau to help further NZORD's mission and make a difference in the lives of rare disease sufferers.