I believe in me.

OUR MISSION

Next Step empowers young people living with serious illness to create their brightest future.

EXPERIENCE NEXT STEP

Community

Community

You’re not alone. Meet others at Next Step on the same journey and discover the power of friendship, fun and support.

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Music

Music

Music as medicine happens every day at Next Step. Write, perform, record or listen to original songs with our rockstar music therapist.

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Mentorship

Mentorship

Set and reach new goals at school, on the job and beyond. Next Step can help personalize a plan for your success.

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SEE THE DIFFERENCE

11,000+

Program attendees since 2001

9.8/10

Would recommend Next Step programs to a peer

95%

Young people feel empowered to make life changes

80+

Original songs written in Next Step’s Song Studio

By the Numbers

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VOICE

READ INSPIRING STORIES

In The Mirror

Kaitlin Slepian |

Have You Seen My Rights

Next Step Advocacy Group |

Decisions

Rare Genetic Campference |

Survivor

Grace Van Dyck |
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WHAT’S NEXT

Rare Disease Month: Our Spring Programs

February is Rare Disease Month, culminating with Rare Disease Day at the end of the month. As we recognize...

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12 Mar

Next Step Comic Book Celebration & Art Exhibition

Join Next Step on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 4:30pm to 7pm EST at LabCentral in Cambridge, MA for...

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Next Step

19 hours ago

Today is @rarediseaseday. The 2026 theme, “More Than You Can Imagine,” highlights equity in care, representation and unseen challenges. 'When Lightning Strikes' was created by youth with sickle cell as they felt this population wasn't represented in media. https://www.nextstepnet.org/whenlightningstrikes/ Lightbox link for post with description Today is @rarediseaseday. The 2026 theme, “More...

Today is @rarediseaseday. The 2026 theme, “More Than You Can Imagine,” highlights equity in care, representation and unseen challenges. 'When Lightning Strikes' was created by youth with sickle cell as they felt this population wasn't represented in media.
...https://www.nextstepnet.org/whenlightningstrikes/

Retweet on Twitter 2027790662582612286Like on Twitter 2027790662582612286
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nextstepfund Reposted
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Rare Disease Day

22 hours ago

🌍 It’s #RareDiseaseDay 2026! 💜 Today we stand with the 300 million people living with a rare disease. Together, we’re showing our colours, raising awareness, and inspiring change by talking about what equity means to us. 👉 Read more: https://t.co/T0KRlbRCJX Lightbox link for post with description 🌍 It’s #RareDiseaseDay 2026! 💜 Today we...

🌍 It’s #RareDiseaseDay 2026! 💜

Today we stand with the 300 million people living with a rare disease. Together, we’re showing our colours, raising awareness, and inspiring change by talking about what equity means to us.

👉 Read more: https://t.co/T0KRlbRCJX

139Retweet on Twitter 2027750322848874574197Like on Twitter 2027750322848874574
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