about
the foundation
our mission
W
orking to
A
dvance
R
are
D
isease
S
upport
in
order to
improve
the
lives
of people
affected
by rare
diseases.
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
Jonathan Dixon
Director
Nicole Grenier
Director
Mallory Kridler
Director
Amy Moore
Director
Amanda Moran Lanier, MD
Director
Lee Pedersen
Director
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