York School News

York student hosts Rare Disease Day to raise awareness and funds for APS research

Student Julia B.O. is one of (approximately) 3 million people living with a rare disease. Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy Syndrome Type 1 affects only 1 in 2 million people. Since third grade, Julia has been organizing events to raise awareness and encourage advocacy for rare diseases in her community.

Due to the pandemic, the needs of those with rare diseases have been placed at a lower priority. To combat this, Julia B.O. has created “Rare Disease Day in a Box,” a website that includes speeches, articles, activity ideas, posters, and pamphlets accessible to those who want to partake in this campaign. Please visit website here.

Hosted yearly by Julia B. O. and the Community Service Committee,  Rare Disease Day raises awareness and funds for APS research. Although the official Rare Disease Day is on Sunday, February 28, our students came together for the 5th Annual Rare Disease Awareness Week through challenges, information sessions, and special fundraising events.
 
 Some of the key events included:
  • Jeans for Genes on Tuesday and Wednesday - Our community was encouraged to wear denim and casual outfits to raise awareness of genetic diseases. In addition, denim ribbons were distributed and were worn to show support for the event.
  • All Week Donation and Kahoot Fundraiser - Students entered a draw for a special prize by filling out a donation form in which included a helpful Kahoot game that further informed them about rare diseases.
  • Instagram Challenge - Throughout the week students were encouraged to share a photo of themselves with a Rare Disease hashtag on Instagram! This also entered students into a draw.
  • Lunch and Learn - On Wednesday, February 24th, Julia B.O. and her close friend Julia hosted a Google Meet where they shared some more information on Rare Diseases and allowed students to ask any questions that have. 
The York School is proud of Julia's passion and initiative to make a difference in her community!
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About the York School

The York School is a gender-inclusive JK to Grade 12 independent school located in the heart of Toronto. The York School was founded in 1965 and is the first English speaking school in Canada accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) from junior kindergarten (JK) to university entrance. As an IB World School, The York School's motto is Experience Teaches.

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Junior School (Grades JK-5) 1639 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 2W6 
 
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