NORD, Paramount Pictures Join Forces to Raise Awareness of Rare Disease

Paramount to match funds donated to NORD in support of new film Novocaine

QUINCY, Mass., Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) is teaming up with Paramount Pictures to raise awareness of rare disease and fundraise to support the rare disease community in conjunction with the upcoming release of Novocaine, an action thriller starring Jack Quaid.

The joint campaign runs through Rare Disease Day® on Feb. 28, during which time Paramount Pictures will match every dollar raised — up to $40,000 — to support NORD's mission to improve the health and well-being of the more than 30 million Americans living with rare disease.

No one is immune from rare disease, which collectively impact one in 10 Americans, half of whom are children. Because each specific condition impacts a small number of people, medical expertise and funding for research are often scarce. Patients face delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and significant financial and emotional burdens. People living with rare diseases incur medical costs that are three to five times higher than those without a rare disease.

"Rare disease patients, their families, and caregivers need new allies in the public beyond those directly impacted by rare conditions," said Alexa Moore, NORD Vice President of Development. "We are grateful for Paramount Pictures' support and commitment to helping us raise awareness of rare diseases as a public health crisis that is larger than any one specific disorder, affecting our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. We are excited to work with them to amplify the voices of those who need our support while raising critical funds to continue our work."

Donations to NORD directly impact the rare disease community, with nearly 93% of every dollar donated funding patient assistance programs and services. Since 2018, NORD has given $200 million in financial assistance to patients and caregivers to cover lifesaving medications and other critical costs.

"We are honored to collaborate with NORD to bring attention to the millions of Americans impacted by rare diseases," said Jennifer Lynch, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Internal Communications, at Paramount Pictures. "Through this fundraiser, in conjunction with Rare Disease Day, we hope to raise awareness and drive meaningful, long-term support for this important cause."

To further engage the public, NORD's Running for Rare® team will participate in a 5K event in Austin, Texas, on March 1 at Southern Heights Brewery. Running for Rare is NORD's signature charity running program in which runners join with community partners diagnosed with rare disorders to raise awareness while fundraising for NORD.

The Austin event is open to all paces — whether running, jogging, walking, or rolling. Attendees will get to meet Jack Quaid, and those who register will earn a free T-shirt and tickets to attend an advanced screening of Novocaine on Feb. 28, Rare Disease Day.

Taking place on the last day of February every year, Rare Disease Day is an international initiative dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for improved diagnosis, treatment, and care for the 300 million people living with rare diseases globally. NORD is proud to serve as the official U.S. sponsor for this event. More information about Rare Disease Day can be found at rarediseaseday.us.

To learn more about the 5K event, visit the event page.

About the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)  
With a 42-year history of advancing care, treatments and policy, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) is the leading and longest-standing patient advocacy group for the more than 30 million Americans living with a rare disease. An independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, NORD is dedicated to individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them. NORD, along with its more than 350 patient organization members, is committed to improving the health and well-being of people with rare diseases by driving advances in care, research and policy. For more information, visit rarediseases.org. 

 About Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Paramount Pictures has some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

SOURCE National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®)