Roanoke Tower Lights Up for Rare Disease Day

Virginia Tech researchers tackle uncommon conditions with diverse portfolio of studies

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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This Saturday, the Wells Fargo Tower in Roanoke, Virginia will be illuminated in the official colors of Rare Disease Day to symbolize the growing momentum behind research at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute aimed at improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases. The institute's researchers are tackling a wide range of uncommon conditions, from genetic disorders to rare cancers, through innovative approaches like gene therapy and personalized medicine.

Why it matters

Rare diseases, while individually uncommon, collectively impact nearly 1 in 10 Americans, placing a substantial burden on patients, families, and the healthcare system. Virginia Tech's research efforts are at the forefront of addressing these complex challenges, with the potential to yield breakthroughs applicable to more prevalent conditions.

The details

Researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute are studying a diverse portfolio of rare diseases, including Von Hippel-Lindau disease, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, acute myeloid leukemia, DiGeorge syndrome, glioblastoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, Fabry disease, Rett Syndrome, Brugada syndrome, neuropsychiatric disease risk, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and pediatric brain tumors. The institute's work spans multiple disciplines, from treatment development to understanding genetic underpinnings and prevention.

  • This Saturday, February 28th, the Wells Fargo Tower in Roanoke will be illuminated in the official colors of Rare Disease Day.
  • The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute's annual Brain School, highlighting the growing importance of genes and cell/gene therapy for brain disorders, will be held on March 9th.

The players

Michael Friedlander

Virginia Tech's vice president for health sciences and technology, who emphasizes that research into rare diseases often yields breakthroughs applicable to more prevalent conditions.

John Chappell

Researcher studying Von Hippel-Lindau disease, an inherited disorder causing tumor growth.

Deborah Quality

Researcher whose work on Prader-Willi Syndrome has already resulted in patents and the formation of Good Foods Group LLC.

Meike van der Heijden

Researcher whose work on cerebellar circuits and spinocerebellar ataxia exemplifies the trend towards personalized medicine and tailoring treatments to an individual's genetic makeup.

Zhi Sheng

Researcher investigating glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.