Rare Disease Day 2018: BioMarin Launches RARE Scholars Scholarship Program

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BioMarin today announced the launch of RARE Scholars, an annual scholarship for students living with rare disease. RARE Scholars aims to empower patients with continued education by recognizing students living with rare diseases who have demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities.  The RARE Scholars program will distribute up to $20,000 each year in June, awarding $5,000 for undergraduate four-year or graduate studies or $2,500 for two-year or vocational-technical studies.  

Applicants must be accepted to or a current student in a postsecondary or graduate level program and diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), phenylketonuria (PKU) or Batten disease.ⁱ  Students may apply for a RARE Scholars scholarship here.

"This scholarship is important because patients with rare diseases make essential contributions to our world, and supporting the potential of these remarkable young people is a privilege," said Jean-Jacques Bienaimé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BioMarin.  "We are inspired by our patients, who are often children, and are proud to contribute to the education of people with rare diseases."

The company also unveiled a commissioned, commemorative sculpture at its San Rafael campus recognizing those living with rare diseases.

The sculpture was designed by renowned Napa sculpture artist Gordon Huether of Gordon Huether Studios. The sculpture, designed as the "trees of life," honors patients who have been affected by MPS, PKU, or Batten disease, or those who have made a significant impact on the development and advancement of care and treatments for rare diseases.

"I am honored by this opportunity to be a part of this permanent recognition of rare disease patients and those that advocate for their care. It is my hope that this sculpture will inspire the BioMarin community to continue to make a big difference for small patient populations," said Huether. "The trees on the sculpture symbolize a deeply rooted connection to ongoing growth and strength, which couldn't be more representative of those living with rare disease."

Today, patients ceremoniously added to the sculpture heart-shaped padlocks engraved with the inscription "Unlocking Tomorrows Together."

About BioMarin

BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that develops and commercializes innovative therapies for people with serious and life-threatening rare disorders. The company's portfolio consists of six commercialized products and multiple clinical and pre-clinical product candidates.  

For additional information, please visit www.BMRN.com. Information on BioMarin's website is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

BioMarin® is a registered trademark of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

ⁱ No consideration will be given to whether or not an applicant was previously or is currently undergoing treatment with a BioMarin product.

SOURCE BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.