James McCarthy and Niamh Crowley announced as ambassadors of ‘I Am Number 17’ campaign

Former Dublin GAA player James McCarthy and current Dublin LGFA player Niamh Crowley announced as ambassadors of the ‘I Am Number 17’ rare disease awareness campaign.

Together, they are uniting to spotlight the lived experience of rare disease in Ireland and to advocate for greater visibility and inclusion in the sporting community.

Following the successful launch of the campaign in February 2024 by then Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, this latest phase of the campaign places the lived experience of rare disease at the heart of Irish sport and community life.

The campaign title, ‘I Am Number 17’, reflects the fact that 1 in 17 people in Ireland will be affected by a rare disease at some point in their lives.

The campaign was initiated and funded by Takeda, a global leader in pharmaceutical research and development, in partnership with Rare Diseases Ireland (RDI) and Rare Ireland.

The campaign features the photos and stories of 17 ‘Changemakers’ – individuals from all over Ireland living with a rare disease – who are sharing their stories to promote better understanding and awareness of rare diseases in Ireland.

The photographs were captured by award-winning photographer Julien Behal.

For Niamh Crowley, this campaign is close to her heart as she has her own experience growing up with a rare disease, Landau Kleffner syndrome:

“I am very happy to be supporting the ‘I Am Number 17’ campaign to raise awareness of rare diseases. Growing up I had a rare form of epilepsy called Landau Kleffner syndrome.

“I didn’t know anyone who had a rare disease like I did. Representation matters, especially in sport.

“I hope that by sharing my story other young people living with rare conditions can see that you are not alone and their condition doesn’t define what they can achieve.”

Commenting on his support of the campaign, James McCarthy said:

“Across Ireland, local sports clubs bring people of all ages and backgrounds together.

“Everyone should feel seen and included in these spaces.

“The stories shared as part of this campaign are incredibly inspiring and I am honoured to stand alongside the 17 Changemakers to help raise awareness and build greater understanding.”

According to the National Rare Diseases Office (NRDO), rare diseases affect around 6% of the population in the Republic of Ireland, accounting for at least 300,000 individuals.

For more information about the campaign and to learn more about rare diseases visit: www.iamnumber17.ie