What It Is

Diseases and disorders affect people of all ages and backgrounds, sometimes for a short time and sometimes for life. Medical disciplines are the areas of science and care that study, treat, and prevent these conditions. From cancer and diabetes to rare genetic disorders, research and treatment help improve lives and save millions every year. For families, learning about diseases and how the body works builds empathy, encourages healthy habits, and helps kids understand how science and compassion come together to fight illness.

Why It Matters

• For everyone: Understanding diseases helps people prevent illness, reduce fear, and support others who are affected.

• For families: Knowledge about common health issues encourages better habits and informed decisions.

• For kids: Learning how the body works builds curiosity and respect for science and medicine.

Everyday Impact

• Individual: Learn about a specific disease or health condition that affects someone you know.

• Family: Support awareness campaigns or participate in health fundraisers.

• Group: Partner with schools or community centers to organize informational events.

Family Challenge Pack (Tiered Learning Path)

🟢 Tier 1: Discover

• Learn what diseases and disorders are and how people live with them.

• Read stories or watch documentaries about kids and families managing chronic illnesses.

• Research one medical discipline, such as cardiology or immunology, and learn what doctors in that field do.

• Talk about how illness can affect people physically, mentally, and emotionally.

• Reflection prompt: What did you learn about the strength of people who live with long-term illness?

🟡 Tier 2: Do

• Support those living with diseases and the organizations that help them.

• Join a charity walk, run, or bike ride to raise money for research or patient support.

• Write encouraging letters or create art for hospital patients.

• Donate to a foundation that funds cures or assists families in treatment.

• Reflection prompt: How can small acts of kindness help people who are struggling with illness?

🔴 Tier 3: Lead

• Inspire others to get involved in health education and advocacy.

• Organize a community awareness day about a disease or medical field.

• Share information online about how to prevent or manage a common health condition.

• Start a school or neighborhood fundraiser to support medical research or patient care programs.

• Reflection prompt: How can awareness turn into action that saves lives?

How to Learn More [click for link]

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• Mayo Clinic

Spotting Real vs. Fake

• Real organizations cite research, publish results, and partner with medical professionals.

• Avoid sites that sell unproven treatments or claim miracle cures.

• Trust information from hospitals, universities, and national health agencies.

Youth Role Models

Emily Whitehead – Diagnosed with leukemia at age 5, she became the first child to receive CAR-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment that helped her recover. She and her family now advocate for pediatric cancer research.

Jack Andraka – As a high school student, he developed an early detection test for pancreatic cancer, proving how curiosity and perseverance can lead to real medical breakthroughs.

Claire Wineland – Lived with cystic fibrosis and created Claire’s Place Foundation to help families dealing with chronic illness. Her honesty and optimism continue to inspire young patients worldwide.

Sammie Vance – Founded Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project to encourage inclusion and kindness for kids with illnesses and disabilities. Her project is now active in schools across several countries.

Haile Thomas – Focuses on how nutrition and lifestyle choices can prevent disease, showing how proactive health habits can make a difference for everyone.

Reflection Prompt

After engaging in an action related to disease awareness or research:

• What new things did you learn about health and the human body?

• How can your actions support people who are living with illness?

• What role can science play in creating hope and healing?

Cause-to-Action Pathways

• Individual: Learn and share facts about a specific disease or prevention method.

• Family: Participate in or support a fundraising walk or awareness event.

• Group: Partner with a hospital or school to organize a health education event.

The Big Picture

When families learn about diseases and the people who study or treat them, they help build understanding, empathy, and support for science-based care. Every donation, conversation, or awareness effort brings us closer to a healthier, more compassionate world where no one faces illness alone.