The Autoimmune Association is pleased to welcome David Ascik and Priya Patil to our Board of Directors. “David and Priya bring a wealth of experience and expertise in strategic business development, finance, and health innovation,” said Molly Murray, president and CEO of the Autoimmune Association. “Their perspectives will be critical as we strive to expand our programs and deepen our impact in the community.” David Ascik David is Vice President of Acquisitions at Foundation Risk Partners, one of the fastest-growing insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the United States. Previously, he ..read more

  As part of our commitment to actively engaging with young people living with autoimmune disease and addressing their unique needs, the Autoimmune Association has established the Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC).  This group of 16 exemplary individuals will work to empower and advocate for young adults aged 15 to 25 living with autoimmune disease. “We understand that young individuals with autoimmune diseases encounter distinct challenges, especially while managing school, balancing their social lives, and beginning their careers. With the valuable insights and perspectives offer ..read more

  This month marked a groundbreaking moment as we hosted our inaugural Legislative Fly-In, an inspiring day in Washington, D.C. where 20 passionate advocates for autoimmune diseases united. Their mission: To champion critical patient-focused legislation and secure increased federal investment in autoimmune disease research. This group, representing the voices of 50 million Americans living with these conditions, shared their personal journeys and advocated for transformative policy reforms. Catch the highlights in our event recap video! Representing 10 states and a variety of autoimmune d ..read more

During the pandemic, Tim Lillis and his friends created a weekly virtual workout, with each friend alternating taking responsibility for leading the workout, and all having fun while getting stronger. Since was not what he considered to be a “fitness-oriented person,” he didn’t know where this new activity would take him. Little did he know, but four years later he’d be doing push-ups on his Facebook page for all to see, as a unique way to raise awareness for autoimmune disease. Tim’s mother is living with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland ..read more

  By Molly Murray, President & CEO, Autoimmune Association Celebrated every March, Autoimmune Awareness Month is dedicated to enhancing understanding and recognition of autoimmune diseases. These are conditions where the immune system erroneously attacks the body’s own cells, leading to over 100 different types of autoimmune diseases, including common conditions like psoriasis, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as rarer conditions like Behcet’s disease, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and mixed connective tissue disease ..read more

We are proud to announce a new giving circle designed to recognize and thank our major supporters. The Hope Champions Circle recognizes supporters like you who are making a significant impact in the lives of those affected by autoimmune disease. When you give $500 or more, you become a Hope Champion — a special person making a difference in the fight against autoimmune disease and providing hope for those who need it most. Special Benefits Just for YOU! As a Hope Champion, you will receive annual benefits, including: Recognition of generosity: Your contribution will be acknowledged on the Au ..read more

  For some patients, a seismic wave of change is preparing to wash over the autoimmune landscape. Already in Europe, Canada and Australia, among other locations, patients are experiencing the effects of a shift away from biologic to biosimilar prescription drugs, and that change is now coming to the United States. CVS recently announced that effective April 1, 2024, Humira®, a reference biologic used to treat many autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, will be removed from their major national commercial ..read more

  Nick’s lesson: Understand that taking care of yourself is the most heroic act you can undertake Nick received his diagnosis at what seemed to be the pinnacle of his life so far. At 38, he was excelling both personally and professionally, enjoying family life with his wife, Antonia, and their two young children, and leading a successful new company. Things were going so well for Nick, it was easy to disregard what he now admits were evident signs of serious underlying issues within his body.     Something was wrong At the time, Nick was competing in triathlons. During one part ..read more

The Autoimmune Association mourns the passing of Jean-François Bach, MD, DSc, a distinguished leader in the field of autoimmune research and a former member of the Autoimmune Association’s Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Bach’s lasting legacy of innovation and dedication will continue to influence and shape the future of scientific research. The autoimmune community has benefited greatly from his wisdom and humanism. As a testament to his remarkable contributions, we share this heartfelt tribute from the Immune Tolerance Network that beautifully describes Dr. Bach’s profound impact on the field ..read more

Here at the Autoimmune Association, we often hear about long and frustrating diagnostic journeys. On average, patients see four physicians over 4.5 years before receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment. Dawn Green is beyond average. Dawn, a former librarian, spent an astounding 35 years going from doctor to doctor before being diagnosed with stage 5 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disease with systemic symptoms. She had to resign from her teaching career — a job she loved — with only four years left until retirement because her symptoms were so severe, and without a diagnos ..read more