The NIH's Office of Rare Diseases has defined an orphan or rare disease as having a prevalence of fewer than 200,000 total affected individuals in the United States. Though the incidence or rate of an individual orphan or rare disease can be quite low, the combined prevalence of orphan diseases can be quite staggering and is estimated to be upwards of 25 million.

Given that most new orphan diseases are inherited and can be studied with genetic analysis the numbers continue to grow and now pose a serious national health concern.

The Science Committee Mission Statement:

The mission of the scientific committee is to identify and fund centers of scientific excellence and worthwhile endeavors that are dedicated to alleviating the pain and suffering of those afflicted with orphan diseases

Current Science Committee volunteer doctors:

Dr. Nazli Azimi, M.D. (Cancer and Immunology) - NIH

Dr. Graham Kemsley, M.D. FACS (Surgeon)

Jesus M. Valadez, M.D. American Board of Internal Medicine, American College of Physicians, Harvard Medical School Graduate, UCLA Internal Medicine Residency, Flying Samaritan, MemorialCarePhysician