Breast Cancer, Diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis. Three medical conditions that have transformed into extremely important causes in our communities. Organizations have been established to heighten awareness, and to raise money for scientific research to better treat these conditions.

One rare condition that is quickly making its way to the community radar is Primary Immunodeficiency, a genetic disorder that causes a malfunction in a person’s immune system. It prevents the body from fighting infections and diseases, making a person more susceptible to catching viruses and bacterial infections.

Diagnoses can occur at birth, later as a young child, or in adulthood. Patients diagnosed with Primary Immunodeficiency disorders are referred to as “ The Zebra’s” of the medical world. This is because during their studies in medical school, doctors were taught to use the following phrase as they treat and diagnose patients: “if it looks like a horse and sounds like a horse then think horse-not zebra”(as in rare disease). In other words, physicians must consider common diagnoses first when treating patients. While horses are very common, zebras are rare animals; therefore, the term zebra was coined to refer to these disorders.

Although there are 250,000 reported cases in the U.S., there is still a lack of awareness within our communities. The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) was created to be the voice of the Primary Immunodeficiency community. IDF continues to advocate for this rare disease, while providing educational resources for patients to take control of their health and well-being.

Primary Immunodeficiency is a cause that is near and dear to us here at YourDRs, as one of our very own was recently diagnosed. In support of our colleague, YourDRs has decided to become an active sponsor in “Walk for Primary Immunodeficiency” on October 26, 2014 in Foley Square, New York City. This walk will support the IDF’s mission of improving the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of persons with Primary Immunodeficiency diseases through advocacy, education and research. Our team, Zebras in Tiaras, is 100 strong and geared up to raise thousands of dollars and raise awareness.

Walk with us! To find out more about IDF, to register to walk, or to donate to Zebras In Tiaras, please visit http://idf.donordrive.com/