The Quiet Strength of Fathers: A Father’s Day Tribute from the Rare Disease Community

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” – Billy Graham 

This Father’s Day, we pause to honour the quiet heroes—the fathers whose strength often goes unseen, but whose impact is immeasurable. In the rare disease community, these men are more than dads. They are caregivers, protectors, advocates, and unwavering sources of love and hope. 

Kerry Walsh: A Daughter’s Tribute 

For Kerry, living with a rare disease has meant facing daily uncertainty. But through every challenge, one presence has remained constant—her dad. 

From lifting her into her wheelchair without complaint to preparing her car for the next adventure, Kerry’s father has shown that love isn’t always loud. It’s in the small, consistent acts of care and sacrifice. It’s in the belief he instilled in her—that she is never alone, and that she can do anything. 

Jacques De Wet: A Father’s Reflection

Jacques, a father to a child with a rare condition, shares a raw and powerful reflection on what it means to be strong. 

His words echo the silent battles many fathers face—moments of solitude, tears, and prayers. Yet, through the pain and uncertainty, Jacques finds gratitude. Gratitude for his wife Mich, for their daughter Emma—the “legend of a sister”—and for Zach, his rare warrior. 

Jacques reminds us that this journey, though filled with hardship, is also overflowing with meaning, love, and joy that defies explanation. 

To All RARE Dads 

This Father’s Day, we celebrate you. The dads who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders and still find the strength to smile. The dads who cry in silence but show up with courage. The dads who love fiercely, even when the future is uncertain. 

Your love is a legacy. Your strength is a gift. And your presence is a light that guides your families through the darkest of days. 

Happy Father’s Day. We see you. We honour you. We thank you.