Raising awareness about Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency helps improve early diagnosis, support families, and advance research for fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs). Several important awareness days and months throughout the year highlight rare diseases, metabolic disorders, and the healthcare professionals who care for individuals with these conditions.
VLCAD Awareness Days
Rare Disease Day - February 28 or 29
Rare Disease Day is observed each year on February 29, the rarest day of the year, and on February 28 in non-leap years. The day raises global awareness for people living with rare diseases, including Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency and other fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs).
In the United States, Rare Disease Day is coordinated by National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). One of the most popular awareness activities is the “Show Your Stripes” campaign, where supporters wear zebra stripes, the symbol of rare diseases. The zebra represents patients with rare conditions who are often harder to diagnose. Learn more or participate by sharing your story and spreading awareness about VLCAD.
Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders Awareness Month - July
July is Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders (FAOD) Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about metabolic conditions such as Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency. During this month, advocacy organizations, families, and healthcare professionals work together to educate communities about FAOD symptoms, diagnosis, and management. Awareness efforts also highlight the importance of newborn screening, early detection, patient support, and continued research to improve treatments and outcomes for individuals living with fatty acid oxidation disorders.
Check back here in June for more information on our 2026 awareness campaign.
VLCAD Deficiency Awareness Day - July
Maddie's Spark Foundation is currently working to establish a dedicated VLCAD Deficiency Awareness Day to help raise awareness about Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency and other fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs). This awareness effort will focus on educating the public about VLCAD symptoms, the importance of newborn screening and early diagnosis, and supporting individuals and families living with this rare metabolic condition.
A future awareness day will also help highlight ongoing research, advocacy, and the need for improved treatments for VLCAD.
Check back here in June for more information on our 2026 awareness campaign.
Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week- third week of September
Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week takes place during the third week of September each year and helps raise awareness about disorders that affect how the body produces and uses energy. While VLCAD deficiency is classified as a fatty acid oxidation disorder, it directly impacts the body’s ability to convert fat into energy within the mitochondria.
Because of this connection, many individuals and families affected by VLCAD support Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week to help increase understanding of metabolic energy disorders, promote earlier diagnosis, and encourage continued research for better treatments and care.