The Abbey Meyers Khushi Bridging RARE Awards Gala 2026 is a special evening dedicated to celebrating the resilience of rare disease patients and families, honoring visionary leaders, and advancing a future where every rare disease community has access to greater awareness, research, and support.
Hosted by IndoUSrare, the gala will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 10:00 PM ET at the Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University’s SciTech Campus in Manassas, Virginia. The event will bring together patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, advocates, industry leaders, philanthropists, and community partners united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of people affected by rare diseases.
Named in honor of Abbey Meyers, a pioneering advocate who helped transform the rare disease movement, and Baby Khushi, whose story reflects the urgency of advancing diagnosis, treatment, and support for rare disease families, the gala recognizes the people and partnerships working to bridge gaps in care and accelerate meaningful progress.
The evening will feature the Bridging RARE Awards, recognizing individuals whose leadership, innovation, advocacy, and service are making a difference in the rare disease community. Through their contributions, these honorees demonstrate how scientific discovery, patient-centered initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration can help create new possibilities for families who often face limited treatment options and significant barriers to care.
Guests will enjoy an engaging program featuring live music and performances, an Indo-US fusion dinner, and the Bid4Rare silent auction, which supports the mission of building stronger connections and opportunities for the rare disease community. The gala will also spotlight IndoUSrare’s ongoing initiatives, including its Youth Internship and Leadership program, Patients Alliance, Corporate Alliance, and Patient Concierge services. These efforts aim to empower the next generation of advocates, connect patients and families with resources, foster partnerships, and encourage collaboration across research, healthcare, and industry.
Rare diseases collectively affect millions of individuals and families worldwide, yet many conditions remain underdiagnosed, under-researched, and without effective treatments. Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment, inclusive research, stronger patient advocacy, and collaboration across borders and disciplines. IndoUSrare works to strengthen these connections, particularly between the United States and India, to help advance rare disease research, improve access to information and resources, and amplify the voices of patients and caregivers.
More than a celebration, the Abbey Meyers Khushi Bridging RARE Awards Gala is a gathering built around purpose, partnership, and hope. By bringing together people committed to a common cause, the evening seeks to inspire action, strengthen the rare disease ecosystem, and turn shared commitment into lasting impact.
Every connection builds understanding. Every partnership creates possibility. Together, we can bridge the gaps and build a more hopeful future for the rare disease community.
