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NORD represents 1 in 10 Americans who have rare diseases with programs of advocacy, education, research and patients services. It serves as the voice of the rare disease community on important issues of public policy. It also provides information on rare diseases in understandable language for patients and their families, with referrals to support groups and other helpful resources. It encourages research on new diagnostics and treatments and administers patients assistance programs. NORD mentors rare disease support groups so that they can more effectively help their members. It serves as the point of connection between the patient community and key government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nearly 150 patient organizations are members of NORD and look to NORD for guidance, mentoring and leadership.

ICRF was founded in 1975 by a group of American and Canadian medical researchers, oncologists, and lay people who were committed to the growth and development of Israel and to combating the worldwide scourge of cancer. These visionaries were determined to harness Israel's educational and scientific resources in the fight against cancer, while stemming the "brain drain" of Israel's best and brightest scientists. Their solution: providing funds for postdoctoral fellowships for young Israeli M.D's and Ph.D.'s. Their solution worked. In addition to ICRF's many achievements and medical breakthroughs by ICRF-supported scientists, the organization now has operating chapters in six cities in three countries - the United States, Canada and Israel -- with its international headquarters in New York City, plus active Boards of Directors for each chapter, an International Board of Trustees, and International Scientific Council, a Scientific Review Panel and a Scientific Advisory Board.