FD is a genetic disorder that disturbs cells in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary actions such as digestion, breathing, tear production, and the regulation of blood pressure and body temperature. It also affects the sensory nervous system, which controls senses-related activities such as taste and the perception of pain, heat and cold.
People living with the FD disorder suffer from a wide range of disabilities, including respiratory, cardiovascular, orthopedic, digestive and vision treatments, surgeries and frequent hospitalization.
Though FD affects people across the world, it occurs almost exclusively in children with Jewish heritage. With only 100 people currently living with FD in Israel and 300 worldwide, it is the one of the world’s rarest diseases. Since it originates from a rare mutation, FD is often referred to as an “orphan disorder”, and as such it is characterized by a lack of proper medical and pharma attention.