This is SOS
Stripes of Solidarity is more than a movement—it’s a declaration. Born from lived experience and built with community at its core, SOS is a bold advocacy platform created by and for those living at the intersections of rare disease, queerness, and underrepresented identities.
What started as one survivor’s fight for survival after a life-threatening misdiagnosis became a rallying cry for something greater: a world where every rare disease patient—especially those who are Black, queer, disabled, or historically excluded—feels seen, heard, and centered. Stripes of Solidarity was founded by Nathanael Dion Milam II, a rare disease warrior who turned his own journey through misdiagnosis, transplant, and advocacy into a mission to build spaces rooted in equity, creativity, and radical belonging.
Through storytelling, education, and unapologetic visibility, SOS is shifting how the rare disease community shows up—louder, prouder, and more connected than ever. We develop creative campaigns, policy tools, inclusive resources, and affirming directories that break barriers and build bridges. Whether you’re a patient, provider, policymaker, or passionate ally, there’s a place for you in this dazzle.
Because rare disease advocacy isn’t just about surviving—it’s about reimagining the systems that failed us and building something far more powerful in their place. Together, stripe by stripe, we’re creating a future where no one feels rare alone.
Our Vision
A world where every rare disease patient—no matter their race, background, or identity—is seen, heard, and supported.
Our Mission
Stripes of Solidarity exists to amplify underrepresented voices in the rare disease space, equip advocates with meaningful tools, and promote equity across research, policy, and care. Through lived experience, creative advocacy, and intentional collaboration, we aim to challenge systems, close gaps, and champion solidarity across the rare disease community.
Why Stripes?
Zebras are the symbol of rare disease—and just like zebras, no two stripes are exactly alike. In this space, “stripes” represent both the marks we carry and the strength we gain from our stories.
Stripes of Solidarity is a reflection of that symbolism. It’s a reminder that while each rare disease journey is unique, we’re stronger when we show up for one another—across diagnoses, identities, and communities. This platform was built on that principle: that solidarity isn’t simply a word—it’s a way forward.