Pachyonychia Congenita patients, families and friends, doctors and scientists join together on June 2, 2012 for the first “PC Awareness Day” which will be celebrated by over 100 families in more than 50 countries - joining together from China to Brazil, Japan to New Zealand - even Finland - to show their strength!

With many countries having only 1 or 2 PC individuals those with PC can certainly feel alone. “On PC Awareness Day we want everyone to reach out and demonstrate their support for each other and for those suffering alone, to ensure that people feel included in our community,” says Mary Schwartz, Director of PC Project. “PC Awareness Day also demonstrates the exponential power of connections and collaboration among patients, scientists and clinicians to give patients help and continue to support medical research.”

“Concerned and inspired folks are sharing information, caring for others and raising funds through garage sales, community BBQ’s, walks, golfing, bake sales, dinners and other creative projects,” says Schwartz. “We’re here to help as each supporter chooses to spread the word in their own way.” To add strength to the community, PC Project is encouraging everyone to post their ideas on Facebook and send encouragement and greetings out to raise awareness. Post at the Facebook Events Page or on the PC Project website tell your friends. If you are interested in coordinating events in your area, please call 877-628-7300 or email, info@pachyonychia.org.

"I am always impressed by how much people can accomplish for a family member or friend when love is the driving force," says Schwartz, "That is why we are organizing this global campaign, to pool the collective energy and creativity of people who care to ensure a better tomorrow for people with Pachyonychia Congenita."

About Pachyonychia Congenita (PC)

PC is an ultra rare genetic skin disorder with likely as few as 3000 patients worldwide, and only 1000 identified. PC is caused by a single spontaneous or inherited mutation in one of at least four keratin genes. PC affects skin and nails, causing cysts, thickened nails and painful blisters and calluses on hands and feet, often resulting in the need for crutches even in childhood. It is of critical importance that the specific gene and mutation be identified, and PC Project encourages and assists all PC patients providing genetic testing to support care and advance research toward a cure.

About PC Project

PC Project is fostering awareness of the diagnosis and treatment of PC through individual projects by patients, families and dedicated doctors and scientists, to raise money and spread the word about PC.

In the past 5 years PC Project has:

• Identified 1000 patients in more than 50 countries
• Provided genetic testing for over 500 to identify one of the 4 specific genes
• Added a dozen physicians to serve as consultants for PC patients needing care.
• Provided training to hundreds of doctors and medical residents to improve ability to diagnose and treat new cases of PC.