Zebra print ribbon

Dr. Theodore Woodward, a professor at the University of Maryland's School of Medicine[1] used this term to teach students the basics of diagnosing disease: "When looking at a patient's symptoms, it is better to assume it is a common ailment, not a rare one – a horse rather than a zebra.

[2][3] This day was launched by the European Organization for Rare Diseases in 2008[4][5] and is now recognized worldwide.

The date of February 29 was chosen because it is a "rare day" due to the leap year.

[6] The symbol for rare disease awareness is a black and white striped ribbon.

[10] The zebra ribbon is also used for awareness of Ehlers–Danlos syndromes, a group of genetic connective tissue illnesses.