CamRARE – Living Rare: Reflections Across a Lifetime

CamRARE - Living Rare: Reflections Across a Lifetime

Event details

When: 4-6pm, Friday 27th February 2026

Where: The Discovery Centre (DISC) – AstraZeneca PLC, Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Living Rare: reflections across a lifetime

Through first-hand stories from individuals and families in our rare community, CamRARE will shine a light on the challenges, milestones, and defining moments that shape life from early childhood through adulthood. This event offers a unique opportunity to understand rare conditions not only as medical issues, but as lifelong human experiences.

We will also hear reflections from leaders across healthcare, industry, research and support organisations in a multidisciplinary panel designed to explore how systems can better respond to the needs of the rare community.

The event will explore key stages along the rare life journey, including:

  • Symptoms & First Signs: When something feels wrong and the crucial role of primary care
  • The Diagnostic Odyssey: The often long and exhausting search for answers
  • Growing Up Rare: Childhood, friendships, identity and family impact
  • School & Education: Barriers, accommodations and inclusion
  • Independence: Daily life, autonomy and navigating support systems
  • Employment: Entering and remaining in the workforce
  • Adulthood with a Rare Condition: Ongoing medical, emotional and social realities

We will also hear reflections from leaders across healthcare, industry, research and support organisations in a multidisciplinary panel designed to explore how systems can better respond to the needs of the rare community.

 

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Speakers include

  • Professor Stephen Morris – University of Cambridge
  • Jill Walker – Beacon Scientific
  • Loretta MacInness – Fabry and Me
  • Gavin Hepherd-Hall – Rare4Schools
  • Jo Balfour – CamRARE
  • Dr Gemma Chandratillake – East Genomics
  • Hannah Humphrey – Genomics England Patient Panel member
  • Patrick Chinnery (TBC) and many CUH patients

….and more to come.