Saturday, February 29th is Rare Disease Day. “The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness among the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.” 

I became ill in July 2010 but wasn’t diagnosed with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease until November 2011. When my rheumatologist finally put a name to my symptoms, he told me UCTD is rare and that if I wanted to walk around and call it “the Kennar,” I could.  

At the time, I joked with my doctor, telling him I had always “dared to be different,” so why should this be any different.

But since that morning, I’ve changed my mind. 

I don’t want a rare condition most people have never heard of. I’d much rather live with a more common, even ordinary, chronic medical condition.

A disease doctors understand and can easily treat.  

Maybe even a disease with its own awareness month or magnetic ribbon I can attach to my car.