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.
VLCAD Deficiency Awareness Day - July 17
Join Maddie's Spark Foundation on July 17, 2026, for the first annual VLCAD Deficiency Awareness Day. Our Be the Spark campaign is dedicated to increasing awareness of VLCAD deficiency, building understanding and support for affected families, and accelerating innovative research that can improve disease management, treatment options, and quality of life for those living with this rare disease.
As we celebrate the inaugural VLCAD Deficiency Awareness Day, we invite individuals, families, healthcare professionals, researchers, advocacy organizations, community partners, and supporters around the world to join us in raising awareness, sharing stories, supporting research, and helping create a brighter future for everyone affected by VLCAD deficiency.
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.
