Ward’s Foundation

05/27/2026

Don’t miss our first family connection event - A Rare K’night! Register today for a special evening created just for rare disease families to gather, connect, and enjoy a Charlotte Knights game together. ⚾️

Sunday, June 28, 2026
4:00pm - until (5:05pm game)
Truist Field | Charlotte, NC

Reserve your tickets through the link in our bio or on our website (t-shirt orders close Friday, June 5). Dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and parking provided. We hope to see you at the ballpark!

*t-shirt design/color subject to change

05/22/2026

As a parent or caregiver, receiving a diagnosis for your child can feel overwhelming. But even if you've heard of your child's condition before, you might not realize it's actually considered a rare disease.

Did you know there are nearly 10,000 known rare diseases? Your child’s condition might be one of them, and there's a whole community that understands what you're going through.

Find out using the NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) database - completely free:

Step 1: Go to https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/
Step 2: Type in your child's diagnosis in the search bar
Step 3: If it appears, it's officially recognized as a rare disease - each listing includes symptoms, causes, and helpful resources
Step 4: Didn't find it? Try an alternate spelling or the medical/technical name - some conditions are listed under a broader syndrome name

At Ward's Foundation, no caregiver should have to navigate this journey alone. 💙

If your child has a rare disease, we'd love to welcome you at one of our upcoming rare events:

A Rare K'Night at Truist Field | Family Event, June 28
A Rare Day Away at Carowinds | Sibling-only Event, August 9

05/19/2026

Calling all Superhero Siblings!💥

Join Ward’s Foundation for A Rare Day Away at Carowinds! A day full of rides, laughter, and celebration just for the siblings who give so much every single day.

Sunday, August 9, 2026
12:00pm - 3:00pm (park hours 10:00am - 9:00pm)
Carowinds | Charlotte, NC

Reserve your tickets through the link in our bio or on our website. Lunch will be provided at the Palmetto Pavilion from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Up to 2 caregivers may accompany sibling(s). We can’t wait to celebrate these incredible superhero siblings and create unforgettable memories together!

05/14/2026

When your child is diagnosed with a rare disease, the world changes overnight. The fear, uncertainty, and isolation can feel overwhelming, but no family should have to walk that journey alone.

Through Ward’s Foundation, families are finding guidance, support, and a safe space to process the unimaginable. Our dedicated social worker walks alongside caregivers in family sessions, helping them navigate medical systems, emotional challenges, and the day-to-day realities of rare disease life.

Here are the voices of parents who remind us why compassionate support matters so deeply. 💜

05/14/2026

When your child is diagnosed with a rare disease, the world changes overnight. The fear, uncertainty, and isolation can feel overwhelming, but no family should have to walk that journey alone.

Through Ward’s Foundation’s Crisis Navigation Program, families are finding guidance, support, and a safe space to process the unimaginable. Our Navigation Manager walks alongside parents in family sessions, helping them navigate medical systems, emotional challenges, and the day-to-day realities of rare disease life.

Here are the voices of parents who remind us why compassionate support matters so deeply. 💜

05/12/2026

We are thrilled to invite your family to A Rare K’night - a special night created just for rare disease families to gather, connect and enjoy watching the Charlotte Knights!

✨ A night where you are surrounded by families who understand your journey.
✨ A night where you don’t have to explain anything to anyone.
✨ A night to simply come as you are and enjoy an evening together.

Sunday, June 28, 2026
4:00pm - until (5:05pm game)
Truist Field | Charlotte, NC

Reserve your tickets through the link in our bio or on our website. Dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and parking provided. We hope to see you at the ballpark! ⚾️

05/08/2026

Join Smart Start of Mecklenburg County for an inspiring Lunch & Learn with our very own Founder and Executive Director, Caroline Winslett! Other panelists include Erika Lopez, Author of The Adventures of Amazing Grace and Nichelle Nicole, Founder and Executive Director of Favor Foundation, Inc.

Through intimate conversations, the event will explore the spark that started it all, the obstacles these three mothers pushed through, and the impact their work now has on countless families. These are stories of advocacy, innovation, and love in action - proof that when mothers lead, entire communities grow.

Scan QR code or click the link in stories to register!

04/28/2026

Ward’s Warriors is more than a community, it’s a commitment. A commitment to stand with families navigating the rare disease journey, not just once, but over time. This is leadership giving.

Through annual support and long-term investment, Ward’s Warriors members are building something powerful together. Consistency becomes cumulative impact. Impact becomes momentum. Momentum becomes a foundation families can stand on when everything else feels uncertain.

Thank you to all of our wonderful 2025 Ward’s Warriors for standing with rare families. We greatly appreciate your support! 💙

04/21/2026

Meet the Branson Family! Lucia’s early months were typical, but around nine months her parents noticed differences in her development and feeding. After months of testing and therapy, she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.

The diagnosis brought both heartbreak and relief - grief for what they once imagined, but clarity in finally having answers. Since then, they’ve focused on learning, connecting, and finding support.

Today, Lucia is a joyful 21-month-old who loves snuggles, books, music, and yogurt. She works hard in therapy and fills her family’s days with love. Lucia’s parents recently connected with Ward’s Foundation and feel hopeful for the support and community ahead.
Read more about the Branson Family’s rare disease journey on our website at: wardsfoundation.org/meet-the-branson-family

04/15/2026

“Rare disease, in aggregate, is one of the largest unmet medical needs on earth.”

We can’t let the most important medical achievement of a decade slip through our fingers.