Rare diseases like Smith-Magenis syndrome may affect a small number of individuals, but their impact can be devastating. These conditions are characterized by their scarcity, which poses unique challenges for research, diagnosis, and treatment. However, one of the most significant driving forces behind progress in rare disease research is the formation of strong and collaborative partnerships.

Collaborative partnerships allow stakeholders from various fields – including researchers, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, patient advocacy groups, and government agencies – to pool their resources and expertise. At PRISMS, we recognize the importance of partnerships in supporting our SMS community and have strived to build these partnerships during our 30 years of existence.

On the national level, PRISMS is active as a member of the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Global Genes, and COMBINEDBrain. These partners have been instrumental in advocating for policies that prioritize rare disease research and streamline the development and approval of life-changing treatments, while ensuring that the voice of the patient remains central to all research endeavors. As an individual organization, we would struggle to make a large impact on a national scale. By partnering with other rare disease organizations in these consortia, PRISMS is able to work with other rare disease organizations to raise awareness, provide insights into the lived experiences of rare disease families, and advocate for research funding.

Internationally, we work to share resources and spread awareness alongside our fellow SMS organizations in other countries. Sharing our experiences allows us all to learn from each other and bring awareness to SMS as a group. We are particularly proud of our global awareness day campaigns and discussions that we have facilitated between groups in-person at our International SMS Conferences and online in our facebook groups and over email. Our International Partnerships enable the sharing of data across institutions and organizations, fostering a culture of collaboration rather than competition in this rare disease world!

The path to understanding and effectively treating rare diseases is paved with challenges, but partnerships provide a guiding light. We are profoundly thankful for the dedication, passion, and collaborative spirit of our partners. Through their unwavering support, we can harness the collective power of researchers, clinicians, patients, and advocates to drive rare disease research forward. By uniting our efforts, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of these conditions, offering hope and a better quality of life for those affected by rare diseases.