What is International CCHS Day?

For most people, September 26th is just another Saturday. But for those affected by congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), one of the rarest conditions in the world, it is a day to face our fears, share our scars, and harness our hope in order to secure a brighter future. It is a day to educate, advocate, and accelerate research. It is a day to ask for the financial support that makes this work possible. And it is a day to invite our family, friends, and even strangers to CAST A LIGHT ON CCHS.

What is CCHS?

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is an ultra-rare, lifelong genetic disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system, including the body's automatic control of breathing. People with CCHS do not breathe adequately on their own, particularly during sleep, and require lifelong ventilator support or other forms of assisted breathing. Because CCHS can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, digestive complications, an increased risk of neuroblastoma, and other serious health concerns, individuals require highly specialized, ongoing medical care. CCHS is a currently an incurable condition with no available drug therapy. But with your help, that could change!

What is the CCHS Network?

The CCHS Network is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals and families affected by CCHS. By advancing research, educating healthcare professionals, advocating for better recognition and expert care, and connecting families around the world, the Network is transforming uncertainty into hope. Strengthened by community and inspired by medical breakthroughs, it champions a future where CCHS is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis.

How will my gift make a difference?

Your generosity has the power to change lives by:

Providing comfort, support, and guidance to parents hearing the diagnosis for the first time
Funding innovative research that accelerates discoveries and advances future treatments
Educating healthcare professionals to improve the recognition, diagnosis, and lifelong care of individuals with CCHS
Bringing families together through conferences, webinars, and online support
Empowering adolescents and adults with CCHS to build lives of independence, purpose, and possibility
Delivering life-sustaining medical equipment to families facing financial hardship
Supporting the CCHS patient registry in partnership with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), helping drive research and improve understanding of the disease
Strengthening the CCHS Network's infrastructure to ensure the stability, growth, and long-term impact of its mission

Thank you for casting a light on CCHS!

For more information on CCHS, go to www.CCHSnetwork.org.

CCHS Day 2026 Campaign

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