Youth Advocacy in Action: JJ Geeleher’s Impact on the Living Rare Forum

At just 17, Waukesha high school senior and NORD Rare Action Network (RAN) Ambassador, JJ Geeleher, stepped into the spotlight at NORD’s Living Rare, Living Stronger Patient & Family Forum held in Milwaukee, WI on Saturday, November 8, 2025. As a featured speaker on an advocacy panel, JJ brought fresh energy and personal insight to the discussion by offering a perspective grounded in lived experience. On stage, JJ emphasized the importance of connection, empowerment, and meaningful action. He challenged the audience to get involved in rare disease advocacy and emphasized that every voice matters.

JJ’s contributions to the event were featured in The Waukesha Freeman—you can access the entire article here.

Interested in becoming a rare disease advocate? Join NORD’s Rare Action Network (RAN) today! RAN is NORD’s grassroots community of advocate and volunteers focused on raising awareness and taking action to improve the health and well-being of the 30+ million Americans living with rare diseases.