Connective Issues Fall 2022

OCTOBER

WELCOME The Foundation Appoints New Members to its Boards ANDREW TOY President, Clover Health Appointed to Board of Directors

ACTION MONTH

Andrew, a Hong Kong-born technologist and entrepreneur who is based in California, was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome at 17 years old after losing his father to an aortic dissection. Several times a year for the past 25 years, Andrew has visited his doctor to manage his

VEDS Action Month is a time when the community comes together to focus on raising awareness of VEDS to improve the outcomes for our community and ensure more people get diagnosed and receive the proper medical care. The VEDS Move ment has numerous opportunities to get involved, including getting proclamations of VEDS Action Month from your state or local government, educating your local medical providers and first responders, joining the virtual Birthday Bash celebra tion on October 6, sharing your story, and much more! Be sure to check the website, TheVEDSMovement.org , for VEDS Action Month details.

condition; these ongoing interactions have instilled in him a deep understanding of the shortcomings of the healthcare system and a desire to fix the industry’s toughest problems.

XIAO JING (IRIS) WANG, M.D. Gastroenterologist, Mayo Clinic Appointed to Professional Advisory Board In addition to her clinical activities as a gastroenterologist, Dr. Wang is active in research and education, providing mentorship to residents and fellows. She has authored multiple publications in peer reviewed scientific journals and continues to conduct clinical studies to understand MAYA BROWN-ZIMMERMAN Appointed to Advisor, Board of Directors For more than 10 years, Maya has been the go-to person for anyone in the Marfan community. She is educated and informed, compassionate and empathetic, and willing to share her personal experience. As the voice of the community, Maya has been a significant contributor as a previous member of the Foundation’s Board of

mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders.

Join us for the 3 rd Annual Birthday Bash Fundraiser on October 6, 8 PM Eastern. We will be celebrating the power we have when we come together as a community. Hear inspiring stories and engage with others while having lots of fun! This is an online event so you can join from anywhere. Register now at TheVEDSMovement.org/VEDSBash

Directors and as a volunteer leader for many years. Maya also serves as an advisor to our Professional Advisory Board.

The Foundation would like to extend a THANK YOU to Beth Utz and Emily Wheeler who completed their terms on the Board of Directors and Dr. Kim Eagle who served as an advisor to the Board of Directors. Dr. Eagle continues to serve as chair of the GenTAC Alliance, a division of The Marfan Foundation. Beth remains on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation. To learn about the leaders volunteering their time and talents to the Foundation, visit Marfan.org/about/team .

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Fall 2022