International Rare Disease Day: “Beyond the Possible” Conference
February 27, 2026, Kyiv.

The last day of February marks International Rare Disease Day. On February 27, the conference “Beyond the Possible” took place, dedicated to people who live every day with rare diagnoses.

The symbol of this day was the zebra — and not by chance. In medicine, there is a well-known saying: “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.” In other words, look for the simplest explanation. But there are people for whom the zebra is not a metaphor — it is reality. It is life with a rare diagnosis.

Cystic fibrosis is one of those “zebras.” And behind every diagnosis there is not statistics, but a child, a mother, a soldier, a family fighting every day for the right to quality treatment and a dignified life. At the conference, our condition was represented by the President of the All-Ukrainian Association for Assistance to Patients with Cystic Fibrosis, a psychologist by profession. In her address, she emphasized: “As a psychologist, I see how much strength it takes to live with a rare disease. How much inner resilience is formed where others simply live without additional struggle.”

The event served as an important reminder: rare does not mean invisible. And it certainly does not mean less important. Behind every “zebra” stands a story of dignity, strength, and hope.

The organizers and everyone involved in the event expressed their gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunity to hold important events in Ukraine and for Ukrainians.