--- title: WNBA All-Star and Champion Diamond DeShields Joins Others as the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition Marks 5 Years of Bold Action and Advocacy description: The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) is proud to commemorate its 5th anniversary—marking five years of bold, community-driven work to transform how rare diseases are diagnosed, treated, and understood for historically underserved populations. --- [Skip to main content](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/wnba-all-star-and-champion-diamond-deshields-joins-others-as-the-rare-disease-diversity-coalition-marks-5-years-of-bold-action-and-advocacy#main) [![RDDC logo TM](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hubfs/RDDC-logo-TM.svg) ![RDDC logo TM Sticky](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hubfs/RDDC-logo-TM.svg) ![RDDC logo TM mobile](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hubfs/RDDC-logo-TM.svg) ![RDDC logo TM mobile sticky](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hubfs/RDDC-logo-TM.svg) ](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org) - [Show submenu for About the Coalition About the Coalition ](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/about) - [Our Team](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-team) - [Advisory Council](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-advisory-council) - [Industry Alliance](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/industry-alliance) - [Partners](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-partners) - [Show submenu for What We Do What We Do ](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/what-we-do) - [Working Groups](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/what-we-do) - [Policy In Action](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/policy-in-action) - [Get Involved](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-get-involved) - [Show submenu for Patient Support Patient Support ](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/additional-patient-support) - [Breaking Barriers: Genetic Testing](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/breaking-barriers) - [Patient Stories](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-patient-stories) - [Show submenu for The Latest The Latest ](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/the-latest) - [Opportunities](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-opportunities) - [News & Announcements](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog) - [Resources & Research](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/research-resources) - [Events](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-events) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for About the Coalition About the Coalition - About the Coalition - [About the Coalition](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/about) - [Our Team](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-team) - [Advisory Council](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-advisory-council) - [Industry Alliance](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/industry-alliance) - [Partners](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-partners) - Show submenu for What We Do What We Do - What We Do - [What We Do](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/what-we-do) - [Working Groups](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/what-we-do) - [Policy In Action](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/policy-in-action) - [Get Involved](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-get-involved) - Show submenu for Patient Support Patient Support - Patient Support - [Patient Support](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/additional-patient-support) - [Breaking Barriers: Genetic Testing](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/breaking-barriers) - [Patient Stories](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-patient-stories) - Show submenu for The Latest The Latest - The Latest - [The Latest](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/the-latest) - [Opportunities](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-opportunities) - [News & Announcements](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog) - [Resources & Research](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/research-resources) - [Events](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-events) - Search - [Donate](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/?campaign=677445) [Donate](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/?campaign=677445) Search [Categories](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/wnba-all-star-and-champion-diamond-deshields-joins-others-as-the-rare-disease-diversity-coalition-marks-5-years-of-bold-action-and-advocacy#) - [RDDC News & Announcements](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/tag/rddc-news-announcements) - [RDDC Reflections](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/tag/rddc-reflections) - [Fellows](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/tag/fellows) - [RDDC Events](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/tag/rddc-events) - [RDDC in the News](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/tag/rddc-in-the-news) # WNBA All-Star and Champion Diamond DeShields Joins Others as the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition Marks 5 Years of Bold Action and Advocacy # WNBA All-Star and Champion Diamond DeShields Joins Others as the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition Marks 5 Years of Bold Action and Advocacy June 02, 2025 **WASHINGTON, D.C. —** The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) is proud to commemorate its 5th anniversary—marking five years of bold, community-driven work to transform how rare diseases are diagnosed, treated, and understood for historically underserved populations. Launched as a call to action, RDDC has grown into a national coalition of over 100 partner organizations, united in its mission to eliminate disparities in rare disease care. From advancing research and policy to amplifying the voices of patients and caregivers, the Coalition continues to push for a healthcare system that works for everyone. At a recent Capitol Hill briefing, RDDC leaders and community advocates gathered to spotlight the human stories behind the statistics—stories that underscore both the urgency and the opportunity for change. Among them was **WNBA Champion and rare disease advocate Diamond DeShields**, who shared her journey living with keratoconus, a degenerative eye disease that silently impacted her athletic career for years before being diagnosed. “I’d seen so many doctors up until this point,” DeShields recalled. “And I lost faith that I was gonna find a real solution.” Her long-term relief came only after reaching the highest levels of professional sport—highlighting the devastating consequences of delayed detection. “Diamond wasn’t held back by work ethic or skill,” noted **Dr. Rutvi Doshi**, the team physician who ultimately helped her condition. “She was held back by a system that didn’t see her condition early enough. This is what happens when awareness doesn’t meet access.” Other speakers shared equally powerful testimonies. **Sarah Jones**, living with EGPA, described the emotional, physical, and financial burden of visiting over 57 doctors in one year before receiving an accurate diagnosis. **Oya Gilbert**, a multiple myeloma patient, shared that it was a routine life insurance exam—not his healthcare provider—that uncovered his condition. “These are not outliers. These are patterns,” said **Jennifer Waldrop**, Executive Director of RDDC. “Our systems are failing too many people, too often—and RDDC exists to change that.” RDDC’s *groundbreaking report on inequities in rare disease care* remains a cornerstone of its strategy—offering a data-driven roadmap for transforming care delivery, research inclusion, and public awareness. Over the past five years, RDDC has: - Elevated community and patient voices through national campaigns - Partnered with researchers and policymakers to reshape systems - Built a diverse coalition of stakeholders working together for change - Created tools and resources to empower advocacy at every level Looking ahead, RDDC remains committed to a simple but profound mission: ensuring that no one is overlooked, dismissed, or delayed when facing a rare disease. “We are fighting for a future where patients are believed the first time. Where diagnosis comes sooner. Where no one is left behind,” Waldrop said. For more on RDDC’s fifth anniversary and its work to drive health equity in rare disease care, visit[www.rarediseasediversity.org](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/). **Media Contact:** teambwhi@skaibluemedia.com  **About the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC):** Black Women's Health Imperative launched the RDDC to address the extraordinary challenges faced by underserved populations with rare diseases. The Coalition brings together rare disease experts, health and diversity advocates, and industry leaders to identify and advocate for evidence-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases on historically marginalized populations. For more information, visit [rarediseasediversity.org](https://rarediseasediversity.org/). **About the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI)** BWHI is a national non-profit organization dedicated to identifying the most pressing health issues that affect the nation's 22 million Black women and girls and invests in the best strategies and organizations to accomplish its goals. You can find more information about BWHI at [bwhi.org](http://bwhi.org/). ###### Tags: Post by [Rare Disease Diversity Coalition](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/author/rare-disease-diversity-coalition) June 2, 2025 ## Our Partners [![The Aarskog Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/The-Aarskog-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=The-Aarskog-Foundation.png) ](https://www.aarskogsyndromefoundation.co.uk) [![association-of-black-cardiologists](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/association-of-black-cardiologists.png?width=150&height=80&name=association-of-black-cardiologists.png) ](https://abcardio.org) [![abcuro logo: Click to visit their web site](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/abcuro.png?width=150&height=80&name=abcuro.png) ](https://abcuro.com) [![accessia health logo](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/accessia-health.png?width=150&height=80&name=accessia-health.png) ](https://accessiahealth.org) [![The Akari Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/The-Akari-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=The-Akari-Foundation.png) ](https://theakarifoundation.org) [![ALS Association](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ALS-Association.png?width=150&height=80&name=ALS-Association.png) ](https://www.als.org) [![Alliance for Black NICU Families](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Alliance-for-Black-NICU-Families.png?width=150&height=80&name=Alliance-for-Black-NICU-Families.png) ](https://blacknicufamilies.org) [![amgen](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/amgen.png?width=150&height=80&name=amgen.png) ](https://www.amgen.com) [![American Kidney Fund](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/americankidney.png?width=150&height=80&name=americankidney.png) ](https://www.kidneyfund.org) [![American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/American-Muslim-Health-Professionals-AMHP.png?width=150&height=80&name=American-Muslim-Health-Professionals-AMHP.png) ](https://amhp.us) [![Amicus](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Amicus.png?width=150&height=80&name=Amicus.png) ](https://amicusrx.com) [![ArgenX](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ArgenX.png?width=150&height=80&name=ArgenX.png) ](https://www.argenx.com) [![Association of American Indian Physicians](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Association-of-American-Indian-Physicians.png?width=150&height=80&name=Association-of-American-Indian-Physicians.png) ](https://www.aaip.org) [![The Assistance Fund](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/The-Assistance-Fund.png?width=150&height=80&name=The-Assistance-Fund.png) ](https://tafcares.org) [![Sickle Cell Disease Association of America](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sickle-Cell%20Disease-Association-of-America.png?width=150&height=80&name=Sickle-Cell%20Disease-Association-of-America.png) ](https://www.sicklecelldisease.org) [![Astria Therapeutics](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Astria-Therapeutics.png?width=150&height=80&name=Astria-Therapeutics.png) ](https://astriatx.com) [![The Balm in Gilead Inc. ](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/The-Balm-in-Gilead-Inc.png?width=150&height=80&name=The-Balm-in-Gilead-Inc.png) ](https://www.balmingilead.org) [![bridgebio](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/bridgebio.png?width=150&height=80&name=bridgebio.png) ](https://bridgebio.com) [![Boehringer Ingelheim](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Boehringer-Ingelheim.png?width=150&height=80&name=Boehringer-Ingelheim.png) ](https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com) [![CACNA1A Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CACNA1A-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=CACNA1A-Foundation.png) ](https://www.cacna1a.org) [![Caring Families](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Caring-Families.png?width=150&height=80&name=Caring-Families.png) ](https://www.carefamilies.com) [![Childrens National Hospital](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Childrens-National-Hospital-2.png?width=150&height=80&name=Childrens-National-Hospital-2.png) ](https://childrensnational.org) [![American College of CHEST Physicians](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Chest-American-College.png?width=150&height=80&name=Chest-American-College.png) ](https://www.chestnet.org) [![CombinedBrain](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CombinedBrain.png?width=150&height=80&name=CombinedBrain.png) ](https://combinedbrain.org) [![Cincinnati Children's](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Cincinnati-Childrens.png?width=150&height=80&name=Cincinnati-Childrens.png) ](https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org) [![Couch Pennies Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Couch-Pennies-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Couch-Pennies-Foundation.png) ](https://www.facebook.com/couchpenniesfoundation) [![National CMV Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/National-CMV-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=National-CMV-Foundation.png) ](https://www.nationalcmv.org) [![Elevate-Advocacy](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Elevate-Advocacy.png?width=150&height=80&name=Elevate-Advocacy.png) ](https://www.elevateadvocacy.com) [![Entrada Therapeutics](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Entrada-Therapeutics.png?width=150&height=80&name=Entrada-Therapeutics.png) ](https://www.entradatx.com) [![Epilepsy Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Epilepsy-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Epilepsy-Foundation.png) ](https://www.epilepsy.com) [![Expecting Health](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Expecting-Health.png?width=150&height=80&name=Expecting-Health.png) ](https://www.expectinghealth.org) [![EveryLife Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EveryLife-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=EveryLife-Foundation.png) ](https://everylifefoundation.org) [![E.WE Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/E-WE-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=E-WE-Foundation.png) ](https://theewefoundation.org) [![FSHD Society](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/FSHD-Society.png?width=150&height=80&name=FSHD-Society.png) ](https://www.fshdsociety.org) [![Prader-Willi-Research](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Prader-Willi-Research.png?width=150&height=80&name=Prader-Willi-Research.png) ](https://www.fpwr.org/) [![Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Foundation-for-Sarcoidosis-Research.png?width=150&height=80&name=Foundation-for-Sarcoidosis-Research.png) ](https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org) [![GeneDx](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hubfs/RDDC/GeneDx.svg) ](https://www.genedx.com) [![GFPD (Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/GFPD-Global-Foundation-for-Peroxisomal-Disorders.png?width=150&height=80&name=GFPD-Global-Foundation-for-Peroxisomal-Disorders.png) ](https://thegfpd.org) [![Gillette Childrens](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Gillette-Childrens.png?width=150&height=80&name=Gillette-Childrens.png) ](https://www.gillettechildrens.org) [![Glaukos Corporation logo](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Glaukos-Corporation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Glaukos-Corporation.png) ](https://www.glaukos.com) [![Global Genes](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global-Genes.png?width=150&height=80&name=Global-Genes.png) ](https://globalgenes.org) [![Global Liver Institute](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global-Liver-Institute.png?width=150&height=80&name=Global-Liver-Institute.png) ](https://globalliver.org) [![Glo Preemies](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Glo-Preemies.png?width=150&height=80&name=Glo-Preemies.png) ](https://www.glopreemies.org) [![Guthy-Jackson](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Guthy-Jackson.png?width=150&height=80&name=Guthy-Jackson.png) ](https://guthyjacksonfoundation.org/) [![Click to view Harrmony Biosciences web site](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Harrmony-Biosciences.png?width=150&height=80&name=Harrmony-Biosciences.png) ](https://www.harmonybiosciences.com) [![Histiocytosis Association](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Histiocytosis-Association.png?width=150&height=80&name=Histiocytosis-Association.png) ](https://histio.org) [![Holland & Knight](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hklaw.png?width=150&height=80&name=hklaw.png) ](https://www.hklaw.com/en) [![Immune Deficiency Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Immune-Deficiency-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Immune-Deficiency-Foundation.png) ](https://primaryimmune.org) [![indousrare](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/indousrare.png?width=150&height=80&name=indousrare.png) ](https://www.indousrare.org) [![Click to view ionis web site](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/ionis.png?width=150&height=80&name=ionis.png) ](https://ionis.com) [![The LAM Foudation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/LAM-Foudation.webp?width=150&height=80&name=LAM-Foudation.webp) ](https://www.thelamfoundation.org) [![LGS Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LGS-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=LGS-Foundation.png) ](https://www.lgsfoundation.org) [![MANA A National Latina Organization](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MANA-A-National-Latina-Organization.png?width=150&height=80&name=MANA-A-National-Latina-Organization.png) ](https://www.hermana.org) [![​Melanin Children Matter Logo](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/%E2%80%8BMelanin-Children-Matter.png?width=150&height=80&name=%E2%80%8BMelanin-Children-Matter.png) ](https://www.melaninchildrenmatter.org) [![Mission-Cure](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Mission-Cure.png?width=150&height=80&name=Mission-Cure.png) ](https://mission-cure.org) [![Muscular Dystrophy Association](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Muscular-Dystrophy-Association.png?width=150&height=80&name=Muscular-Dystrophy-Association.png) ](https://www.mda.org) [![Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Myasthenia-Gravis-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Myasthenia-Gravis-Foundation.png) ](https://myasthenia.org) [![nac (National Alliance for Caregiving)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nac-National-Alliance-for-Caregiving.png?width=150&height=80&name=nac-National-Alliance-for-Caregiving.png) ](https://www.caregiving.org) [![NBNA (National Black Nurses Association Inc.)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NBNA.png?width=150&height=80&name=NBNA.png) ](https://www.nbna.org) [![National Genetics Education and Family Support ](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/National-Genetics-Education-2.png?width=150&height=80&name=National-Genetics-Education-2.png) ](https://nationalfamilycenter.org) [![NHMA (National Hispanic Medical Association)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NHMA.png?width=150&height=80&name=NHMA.png) ](https://www.nhmamd.org) [![National-Bleeding-Disorders](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/National-Bleeding-Disorders.png?width=150&height=80&name=National-Bleeding-Disorders.png) ](https://www.hemophilia.org/who-we-are) [![National Institute of Health](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/National-Institure-of-Health.png?width=150&height=80&name=National-Institure-of-Health.png) ](https://www.nih.gov) [![NMA (National Medical Association)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NMA.png?width=150&height=80&name=NMA.png) ](https://www.nmanet.org) [![Nephcure Kidney International](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Nephcure-Kidney-International.png?width=150&height=80&name=Nephcure-Kidney-International.png) ](https://nephcure.org) [![NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NORD.png?width=150&height=80&name=NORD.png) ](https://rarediseases.org) [![Novartis Logo](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Novartis.png?width=150&height=80&name=Novartis.png) ](https://www.novartis.com) [![PAN (Patient Access Network) Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/PAN.png?width=150&height=80&name=PAN.png) ](https://www.panfoundation.org) [![PAF (Patient Advocate Foundation)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/PAF-Patient-Advocate-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=PAF-Patient-Advocate-Foundation.png) ](https://www.patientadvocate.org) [![Patients Rising logo](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Patients-Rising.png?width=150&height=80&name=Patients-Rising.png) ](https://www.patientsrising.org) [![pcori (Patient centered outcomes research institute)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pcori.png?width=150&height=80&name=pcori.png) ](https://www.pcori.org) [![Prevent Blindness](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Prevent-Blindness.png?width=150&height=80&name=Prevent-Blindness.png) ](https://preventblindness.org) [![Rare Rising Logo](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/RareRising-2-logo-1.webp?width=150&height=80&name=RareRising-2-logo-1.webp) ](https://rarerising.org) [![SAPHA](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SAPHA.png?width=150&height=80&name=SAPHA.png) ](https://www.sapha.org) [![Scleroderma Research Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Scleroderma-Research-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Scleroderma-Research-Foundation.png) ](https://srfcure.org) [![Scleroderma United](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Scleroderma-United.png?width=150&height=80&name=Scleroderma-United.png) ](https://www.sclerounited.us) [![SCARED (Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Education Directive)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SCRED.png?width=150&height=80&name=SCRED.png) ](https://sicklecellred.org) [![Sickle inspired](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sickle-inspired.png?width=150&height=80&name=Sickle-inspired.png) ](https://www.instagram.com/sickle.inspired/?hl=en) [![Sobi](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sobi.png?width=150&height=80&name=Sobi.png) ](https://www.sobi.com/en) [![Sociedad Hispana de Enfermedades Raras](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Sociedad-Hispana-de-Enfermedades-Raras.png?width=150&height=80&name=Sociedad-Hispana-de-Enfermedades-Raras.png) ](https://www.hispanicsocietyrarediseases.org) [![Sumaira-Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Sumaira-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Sumaira-Foundation.png) ](https://www.sumairafoundation.org) [![SynGap Research Fund](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SynGap-Research-Fund.png?width=150&height=80&name=SynGap-Research-Fund.png) ](https://www.syngapresearchfund.org) [![the waiting room entertainment](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/the-waiting-room-entertainment.png?width=150&height=80&name=the-waiting-room-entertainment.png) ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewaitingroomentertainment) [![Think Genetic Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Think-Genetic-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Think-Genetic-Foundation.png) ](https://thinkgenetic.org) [![Travere Therapeutics](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Travere-Therapeutics.png?width=150&height=80&name=Travere-Therapeutics.png) ](https://travere.com) [![TSC Alliance](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TSC-Alliance.png?width=150&height=80&name=TSC-Alliance.png) ](https://www.tscalliance.org) [![A Twist of Fate](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/A-Twist-of-Fate.png?width=150&height=80&name=A-Twist-of-Fate.png) ](http://www.atwistoffate-ats.org) [![UCB](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UCB.png?width=150&height=80&name=UCB.png) ](https://www.ucb.com) [![UDNF (Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation)](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UDNF.png?width=150&height=80&name=UDNF.png) ](https://commonfund.nih.gov/diseases) [![The Vasculitis Foundation](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/Vasculitis-Foundation.png?width=150&height=80&name=Vasculitis-Foundation.png) ](https://vasculitisfoundation.org) [![VHL Alliance](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VHL-Alliance.png?width=150&height=80&name=VHL-Alliance.png) ](https://www.vhl.org) [![Vertex](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vertex.png?width=150&height=80&name=Vertex.png) ](https://www.vrtx.com) [![Watts Group LLC](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Watts-Group-LLC.png?width=150&height=80&name=Watts-Group-LLC.png) ](https://www.wattsgroupllc.com) [![ZS logo: Click to visit their web site](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RDDC/ZS.png?width=150&height=80&name=ZS.png) ](https://www.zs.com) [View All RDDC Partners](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-partners) #### Sign Up for the Latest Updates [![RDDC logo TM](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hubfs/RDDC-logo-TM.svg) ](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org) - [About the Coalition](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/about) - [What We Do](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/what-we-do) - [Get Involved](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-get-involved) - [Patient Support](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/additional-patient-support) - [The Latest](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/the-latest) - [Events](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-events) - [* * ](https://www.youtube.com/@RareDiseaseDiversityCoalition) - [* * ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rare-disease-diversity-coalition/?trk=organization_guest_main-feed-card-text) - [* * ](https://www.instagram.com/rarediseasediversitycoalition) - [* * ](https://www.facebook.com/people/Rare-Disease-Diversity-Coalition/100086789036888) ©2026 Rare Disease Diversity Coalition. All rights reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-privacy-policy) | [Contact Us](https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/contact-us) | [Site Credits](https://www.faceliftdesigns.com/) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org/", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Rare Disease Diversity Coalition", "url" : "https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/author/rare-disease-diversity-coalition" }, "dateModified" : "2025-06-02T1:04:31 PM", "datePublished" : "2025-06-02T1:03:55 PM", "description" : "The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) is proud to commemorate its 5th anniversary—marking five years of bold, community-driven work to transform how rare diseases are diagnosed, treated, and understood for historically underserved populations.", "headline" : "WNBA All-Star and Champion Diamond DeShields Joins Others as the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition Marks 5 Years of Bold Action and Advocacy", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://21259597.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21259597/favicon.png" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/wnba-all-star-and-champion-diamond-deshields-joins-others-as-the-rare-disease-diversity-coalition-marks-5-years-of-bold-action-and-advocacy", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "WNBA All-Star and Champion Diamond DeShields Joins Others as the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition Marks 5 Years of Bold Action and Advocacy", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "The Black Women's Health Imperative" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Rare Disease Diversity Coalition", "url" : "https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/author/rare-disease-diversity-coalition" }, "dateModified" : "2025-06-02T13:04:31.615Z", "datePublished" : "2025-06-02T13:03:55.000Z", "headline" : "WNBA All-Star and Champion Diamond DeShields Joins Others as the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition Marks 5 Years of Bold Action and Advocacy", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/blog/wnba-all-star-and-champion-diamond-deshields-joins-others-as-the-rare-disease-diversity-coalition-marks-5-years-of-bold-action-and-advocacy", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/hubfs/logopng.png" }, "name" : "The Black Women's Health Imperative" } } ```