Marta Farré — Mother of a boy with epidermolysis bullosa
When Adrià was born, doctors noticed that he had severe wounds on his legs and feet. The gynaecologist who attended to them first mentioned the disease: epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a genetic condition
First clinical guidelines for Schaaf-Yang syndrome addressed to professionals and families
A research group led by the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute (IRSJD) has published the first clinical guidelines dedicated to Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS), an ultra-rare disease that develops due to
Animal-assisted interventions: a great tool to accompany and treat paediatric patients
This innovative tool was introduced in Sant Joan de Déu by Mª Josep Planas (HSJD Planning Director) and Núria Serrallonga (Child Life HSJD) through the CTAC (Canine-Assisted Therapy Centre), where Eva
#S4RMonth activity: Caring for caregivers and patients in pandemic times
As you may already know, throughout the February we are celebrating #S4RMonth, an extensive calendar of educational and sharing activities framed in the commemoration of Rare Disease Day, which takes
Report - 3rd day of the International Congress on the Effects of COVID-19 in People with Rare Diseases
The challenge of undiagnosed patients: challenges and needs Dr. Marcelo Andrade opened the first table of the third day of the congress. This paediatrician at the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital explained
Smart Tech: Improving the lives of millions living with a long-term disease
Chronic diseases present a significant challenge to the European Union, costing over €700 billion annually and affecting one third of all adults. Furthermore, each year over 4 million people pass away
FEDER Rare Disease Information and Orientation Service (SIO): building bridges to improve the lives of the patients
For two decades, the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases (FEDER) has been giving voice to more than 3 million people who live with a rare pathology in Spain. At the present time, the association
Aleksandra talks about her experience of caring for her children with rare neuromuscular diseases
Aleksandra has two children affected by a rare neuromuscular disease. Her son has a diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D (LGMD2D) and her daughter has a diagnosis of collagen VI
A world of sensations: Bruna’s story
Bruna is 12 years old and is affected by an ultra-rare genetic syndrome that causes severe refractory epilepsy, cognitive and motor retardation — she is not able to speak or walk — and severe visual
How do you comfort a child with a rare disease?
Psychologically speaking, the relief from a chronic pain is more than necessary in order to help the patient carry on with this very difficult condition. In regards with a child with a rare disease
Effects on parents when a child has a rare disease
In October 2011, author Emily Rapp wrote an outstanding essay on life as a rare disease parent and her experience of raising her son, Ronan, under the shadow of Tay Sachs disease for the New York
Àngels Ponce: «It never ceases to amaze me how children actually see illness and disability as natural things»
S4R: It is difficult to know that a child is having a hard time if he/she does not express it. Often, the siblings of sick children prefer not to bother their parents with their problems if they