More Than $2.45 Million Awarded to Students Living with Rare Diseases

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases (EveryLife Foundation) is thrilled to announce the 2025 recipients of the #RAREis Scholarship Fund, a first-of-its-kind program created in partnership with Amgen and dedicated to supporting students living with rare diseases as they pursue higher education. Now in its sixth year, the program has awarded 491 scholarships totaling more than $2.45 million, including 104 scholarships in 2025 alone. Each scholarship provides $5,000 in financial assistance to help recipients pursue undergraduate, graduate, or non-traditional accredited education.

The program continues to grow each year, with more than 2,000 completed applications—a nearly 20% increase from the 2024 cycle. Scholarship recipients represent a diverse cross-section of the rare disease community, spanning 35 states and attending more than 90 colleges and universities nationwide.

"Living with a rare disease presents extensive challenges, including financial burdens that may make continuing education difficult for students," said Michael Pearlmutter, CEO of the EveryLife Foundation. "The #RAREis Scholarship Fund was created with our friends at Amgen to help level the playing field by ensuring students have the financial support they need to thrive academically and personally."

The #RAREis Scholarship Fund, part of the EveryLife Foundation's Community Scholarship program, provides more than just financial support. As Stephanie Riordan, Senior Director of Patient Programs, explains: "The EveryLife Foundation has expanded this program to include mentorship opportunities, group calls based on area of study, and resources to help students navigate challenges unique to rare disease patients, such as transitioning from pediatric to adult care and advocating for accessibility on campus. And we continue to build a strong network of scholarship alumni that fosters peer guidance while advocating for rare disease priorities."

The impact of the scholarship extends beyond the classroom for many recipients. As one 2025 awardee, Isabella Duarte-Crespo, who lives with Spina Bifida, shared: "Living with a rare disease has shaped how I think about problem-solving and community support. The scholarship has not only lifted financial burdens but has also encouraged me to keep advocating for inclusive spaces."

Sign up for the EveryLife Foundation's monthly Rare Report or follow us on social media (@EveryLifeOrg) to find out when the 2026 scholarship cycle opens. Whether seeking financial support, looking to establish a scholarship, or contribute to the scholarship program, learn more about the #Rareis Scholarship Fund, as well as other community scholarships powered by the EveryLife Foundation by clicking here.

About the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases:

The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization powered by the rare disease community to improve health outcomes by driving change through evidence-based policy, leading science-driven policy and regulatory research, activating the community to advocate for their rights and needs, and strengthening the rare disease community.

To learn more, visit EveryLifeFoundation.org and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE EVERYLIFE FOUNDATION FOR RARE DISEASES