Fundraiser Event
Under the patronage of
Knights for Rare 2026
Wednesday, 16th September, 20:00-23:30
Piazzale Caffarelli 4, Roma
Our Story
Where it all began
What began as a single evening in Amsterdam - a moment to recognise the unsung heroes of the rare disease community - has grown into an annual tradition. Each year, Knights for Rare brings together leaders from across biotech, healthcare, patient advocacy and the rare disease community to celebrate one thing: people who refuse to let patients be left behind.
This year, that tradition arrives in Rome.
2026 Rare Knight
Introducing UNITED ETS
Italian Federation of Thalassaemia, Rare Haemoglobinopathies and Sickle Cell Disease
We’re proud to welcome the Knights for Rare community to Rome to recognise UNITED ETS as this year’s Rare Knight. The evening is held in their honour - and to raise funds for the vital work they do every day for patients and families across Italy.
About United ETS
Why UNITED ETS
Representing 37 patient associations across Italy, UNITED ETS is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by thalassaemia and other rare haemoglobinopathies. Their commitment to advocacy, education, collaboration and patient support embodies everything Knights for Rare was created to celebrate.
Get Involved
How you can be part of it
Whether you join us on the evening, purchase a ticket, or make a donation - every contribution brings us one step closer to helping United ETS continue their important work.
Three ways to take part:
Attend - Join us at Piazzale Caffarelli 4, Roma
Support - Purchase a ticket to back the cause
Give - Make a direct donation to UNITED ETS’s work
We invite you to be part of the next chapter.
Join us on 16 September 2026.
No One Left Behind.
Watch the highlight reel from Knights for Rare 2025
Our Legacy
A tradition of impact
Knights for Rare has grown a little more each year - but the mission has stayed the same: to celebrate extraordinary advocacy and provide an opportunity to generate funds which impact the work patient advocacy organisations do, in a meaningful way.
Euros raised for rare disease charities to date
2025
Athens, Greece Rare Knight: Rare Diseases Greece
The 2025 edition brought the Knights for Rare community to Athens in partnership with the Athens AL Rotary Club, recognising Rare Diseases Greece - the country’s leading voice for individuals and families living with rare conditions, and an active contributor to EU rare disease policy.
2024
Cologne, Germany Rare Knight: Nephrokids
In 2024 the Knights for Rare community came together in Cologne, Germany to honour Nephrokids - a parent-led organisation from North Rhine-Westphalia supporting children and young people living with kidney diseases, many of them rare.
2023
Amsterdam, the Netherlands Rare Knight: Acanthamoeba Keratitis Eye Foundation
The very first Knights for Rare - a walking dinner in Dam Square, Amsterdam - supported the world’s first foundation dedicated to acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare and devastating eye disease.