Beverly Kearney's life is all about speed and winning. She's the legendary head coach of the University of Texas women's track and field team. Under her leadership, the Longhorns have claimed six national 
As soon as her mother's car pulled away, Cathy Harper Lee always counted the blades of grass on the lawn. She hoped to reach a high number. That meant a few moments alone before her step-father ordered her inside. 
March 2, 2010
Dianne Gray' son Austin was 4 years old when he lost his vision and started falling. He was subsequently diagnosed with neurodegenerative brain iron accumulation, a rare disease which eventually killed him at the age of 14. However, the family's often frustrating struggle to provide him with comfort and relief has spurred Gray to help other families dealing with unresearched conditions, according to ABC News.
Recalling the obstacles she and Austin faced in order to obtain the right diagnosis, treatment and support, Gray told the news provider about the helplessness she felt when doctors were not able to treat her son, or even alleviate his pain.
That is what inspired her to become involved with the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), which sponsored the second annual National Rare Disease Day last Sunday.
NORD serves as a liaison for researchers and families coping with rare diseases, offering patient assistance programs and networking opportunities. It also collects donations as funding is among the most important obstacles to fighting these types of disorders.
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 6,000 rare diseases affecting approximately 25 million Americans
