Rare Disease

A rare disease is defined as a condition that affects less than 200,000 people in the United States. The cause of these diseases is often unknown. Rare diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat.  

With roughly 7,000 rare diseases in existence, approximately 25 to 30 million Americans currently live with one. Gillette is known worldwide for its expertise in caring for children diagnosed with rare diseases. Since its founding in 1897, Gillette has been at the forefront of treating children who have conditions affecting the brain, bones, and movement. Here, we believe that every patient and family is worthy of excellent care. 

The cause of many rare diseases are unknown. For most, however, it seems to trace back to differences in a single gene. Many of these genetic mutations can be passed on from one generation to the next.  

Experts suggest genetics are just one piece of a person’s overall health. Many other factors such as diet and environment can have an influence on our overall health. These complex contributors to health means people often seek care from many different specialists. At Gillette, we make this process easier because our specialists work as a team to craft a care plan tailored to each person. This makes it easier for patients and families to see several specialists during a single visit to one location.