Our Cause

There are over 7,000 known rare diseases afflicting up to 15 million children. 

It takes an average of 3 years to obtain a diagnosis, and there are viable treatments for only about 5% of rare diseases. 

The entire process is mind-numbingly frustrating, terrifying, and exhausting. 

Your child is often the first person with his or her condition that doctor has ever seen. 

The Undiagnosed and Rare Disease Program aims to solve that problem. 

Consisting of a team of over 31 specialists at Children’s Wisconsin led by Dr. Donald Basel (MD, Section Chief and Professor, Pediatrics (Genetics)), the Rare Disease Program has recently been named both a Center of Excellence by the National Organization of Rare Disorders (1 of 32 institutions in the country) and a Diagnostic Center of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health (1 of 18 institutions in the country). 

The ultimate goal is to build a first of its kind, state of the art, dedicated space within Children’s Wisconsin to house the Undiagnosed and Rare Disease Program. 

Consisting of both a research and clinical arm, each reinforcing the other, the center would provide full wrap-around care for kids with rare diseases, including diagnostic care, clinical treatment, clinical trials, gene therapy, family and educational resources and more, all under one roof in one dedicated space. 

The life-saving and life improving potential of this center is immeasurable. We could not be more proud to partner with Children’s Wisconsin as we work to build out the Undiagnosed and Rare Disease Program. All proceeds raised, including from our annual “Night Out” events, will continue to go to the Undiagnosed and Rare Disease Program at Children’s Wisconsin.