This year, IDFA’s Rare Disease Day campaign brought together schools, families, advocates, and communities across the country to help raise awareness of primary immunodeficiencies (PI) and the experiences of those living with rare diseases.

At the heart of the campaign were three incredible young campaign heroes — Jude, Isabelle, and Jack — who helped share the importance of visibility, understanding, and connection within the rare disease community.

Throughout February, schools and supporters took part in a range of activities, including classroom discussions, fundraising events, and our annual “Win a Trip to the Zoo” colouring competition, which received 41 entries from across Australia.

To support schools, IDFA developed a new Fundraising and Communications Kit alongside updated teaching resources, making it easier for educators and communities to get involved in Rare Disease Day activities and conversations about immunodeficiency.

Online, the campaign continued to grow its reach through social media storytelling and a member video campaign centred on the message: “I don’t feel alone.” The video reached more than 2,300 viewers, with over half of views coming from people outside IDFA’s existing audience.

One of the campaign’s standout moments came through the efforts of California Gully Primary School in Victoria. Following the success of student Ebony Derby’s colouring competition entry, IDFA worked alongside the school to share Ebony’s story and her journey living with immunodeficiency.

The story gained strong regional media attention, including an interview on ABC Central Victoria Breakfast with Fiona Parker featuring Ebony, her father Leigh, and the school principal, as well as a feature article in the Bendigo Times.

These opportunities not only helped raise awareness of immunodeficiency within the Bendigo community but also highlighted the important role schools and local communities can play in advocacy and awareness.

We would like to thank every school, family, supporter, and community member who helped make Rare Disease Day 2026 such a meaningful campaign. Together, we continue to build greater understanding, connection, and visibility for people living with immunodeficiency and rare diseases across Australia.