Together in the Rare: Honoring Allison in San Antonio, TX

On March 16th, something truly beautiful happened. A small group of people—connected not by geography, profession, or even hobbies, but by something far deeper—gathered for a Rare Disease Day rally in honor of someone who changed our lives: Allison Lopez.

Rare Disease Day is often quiet for many of us. Our conditions are rare, our experiences misunderstood, and the sense of isolation can be overwhelming. But on this day, we didn’t feel rare—we felt recognized, embraced, and connected.

We came together not just to raise awareness, but to create space—for stories, for hugs, for laughter, and even for tears. We wore our rare with pride. At “Tons of Fun”, strangers became fast friends, and friends became family. The rally wasn’t large, but it was powerful. It was a space filled with the kind of understanding that doesn’t need long explanations. The kind of love that honors those we’ve lost while lifting up those still fighting.

Allison Lopez was a light in this world—joyful, fierce, full of compassion. She faced the challenges of CMN/Melanoma with unmatched strength and used her voice to uplift others. Even in her absence, her presence was unmistakable. We held this event not just in her memory, but in her spirit. The spirit of never giving up. Of finding community in the unlikeliest places. We were reminded that though our diagnoses may be rare, our determination, our love, and our voices are anything but.

Thank you to everyone who showed up. Your presence made all the difference. Thank you to the families who traveled, the advocates who fight every day, and the friends who have become part of this journey.

And thank you, Allison, for reminding us that “rare” doesn’t mean alone.

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