An estimated 30 million Americans live with a rare disease

Rare diseases are defined as illnesses, often genetic and chronic, that affect less than 200,000 Americans. The CDC says classifies 7,000-8,000 diseases as rare. Combined, they impact more than 30,000,000 Americans-- or approximately 10% of the U.S. population. Patients living with rare diseases often have a lifelong struggle to access proper care and fund their treatment. They face multiple misdiagnoses as well as stigma from their illness. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, director of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Fetal Care Center, spoke with WWJ's Christina McDaniel about the challenges, the progress and the resources available. (Photo Credit: nambitomo/GettyImages).