The Association of Citizens for Rare diseases “Life With Challenges” from Bitola is a winner of the  PAL (Patient Advocacy Leadership).  As winner of this award are 8 more organization from the world.

The PAL Award recognizes patient advocacy organizations for extraordinary work and innovation in helping to raise awareness of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), a family of rare diseases that often affect only a small number of people around the world. LSDs typically cause progressive and debilitating health problems (http://www.genzymeadvocacyawards.com/2012-awards.aspx)

Fifty patient organizations from around the world applied for 2012 PAL Awards by submitting proposals for innovative campaigns and projects to support the LSD patient community.

Proposals were submitted from organizations that represent people affected by Gaucher disease, MPS disorders, Fabry disease, Pompe disease and Niemann-Pick disease, among other rare diseases. Applicants came from six continents, and 2012 winners were recognized in Chile, France, Hong Kong, Macedonia, Poland, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States.

“For 3 years, “Life With Challenges” has been working to help people learn about and cope with Gaucher and other rare diseases. The PAL Award will help us to continue to build on these important efforts in the years ahead. We are very excited about the opportunity to expand our work and our impact through this important honor,” said Vesna Aleksovska, President of “Life With Challenges”.

According to the Global Genes Project, an estimated 350 million people worldwide are affected by rare disease. Only five percent of rare diseases currently have approved treatments and more than 50 percent of rare diseases do not have foundations, advocacy groups or organized community support to help expand awareness and improve access to care.
“The organizations that were selected to receive PAL Awards for 2012 showed a remarkable level of innovation and dedication in helping others to learn about and cope with lysosomal storage disorders. Genzyme is honored and very pleased to be able to support the work of “Life With Challenges” through the PAL Award program this year,” said Vulnet Ferrati, Genzyme representative from Macedonia.