about

the foundation

our mission

Ward’s Foundation supports families impacted by rare disease through a network of resources and peer support.

Individual diseases may be rare, yet in total they are more common than you think.

7,000 rare diseases

It is estimated that there are as many as 7,000 rare diseases worldwide.

Affects 1 in 10 people

Unfortunately, 1 in 10 people in the US are affected by rare disease.

50% are children

Rare diseases affect 25 to 30 million Americans, half of them children.

Shortening their lives

30% of children with a rare disease won't live to see their fifth birthday.

our approach

educate

We aim to increase the awareness, education, and prevention of rare diseases.

support

We aspire to walk alongside families in their rare disease journey by providing resources, guidance, and support.

improve

We strive to improve the clinical, diagnostic, and overall patient experience.

our board of directors

Caroline & Trey Winslett

Cofounders

Caroline and Trey Winslett lost their first born child to Gaucher’s Disease on October 16, 2020. Ward’s legacy, forever sweet if far too brief, endures in the foundation his family has formed. Its name – WARD’S Foundation. Working to Advance Rare Disease Support – speaks of heartbreak. Its mission, inspires hope.
‍

Andrea

Harknett

Executive Vice President

William

McGuire

Treasurer

Mary Lake

Davidson

Secretary

Matthew

Blickley

Director

Nicole

Grenier

Director

Meghan

Huff

Director

Mallory

Kridler

Director

Amanda Moran

Lanier, MD

Director

Joey

Norman

Director

Lee

Pedersen

Director

Steve

Sims

Director

our staff

Caroline

Winslett

Executive Director

Katie

Debnam

Success Manager

Angel

Green

Navigation Manager

your support counts

every dollar helps

donate today

our commitment to equality and inclusion

At WARD'S Foundation, we value all individuals and have a strict non-discrimination policy. We serve all members of the community regardless of age, race color, religion, creed, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status under applicable law.