March 5, 2026- Rare Disease Day is the last day in February, but since Feb. 28 fell on a Saturday in 2026, schools here in the district have opted to recognize the day today, March 5. It's a continuation of last year's recognition, which turned into a celebration of the life of Leigha Cirillo, who passed away in September 2024 from a rare chromosonal condition called 3p deletion syndrome.

Leigha continues to be at the heart of Rare Disease Day here in Toms River. 

Intermediate East, for example, was Rocket Ready to recognize Rare Disease Day, and produced a video (below) featuring staff and students talking about the day's importance, and what it means to them. All schools have been invited and encouraged to take part, and all buildings are doing so through a variety of means including hallway wall displays, morning announcements, in-class reflections, photos, and much more.

Today, we all wear purple as we remember Leigha, celebrate her life, and honor her legacy through the mission of Rare Disease Day.

We'll share those efforts — outfits, activities, anecdotes, etc. — here throughout the day, so bookmark this page and keep checking on everything surrounding Rare Disease Day here in TR for 2026.