Celebrating Rare Disease Day and Embracing New Opportunities with GAAPP

A Message from Our President, Tonya Winders

"As we bid farewell to February, the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP) celebrated Rare Disease Day with enthusiasm, embracing the mantra that "rare is no longer rare." This month, we spotlighted the importance of unity and advocacy in the rare disease community, welcoming new member organizations from Iran and Canada into our fold. Our journey towards innovation and support in the food allergy and adverse reactions community continues, bolstered by new resources and the anticipation of our annual events."

GAAPP's Landmark Events: AGM & SAREAL 2024

Looking ahead, GAAPP is excited to announce the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and SAREAL, set to be held in Santiago, Chile, in a hybrid format. This pivotal event, hosted at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, represents a unique opportunity for our members worldwide to connect, share insights, and further our collective mission. Registration is now open for both in-person and virtual participation, ensuring that no voice is left unheard.

Unlocking Potential: GAAPP Academy

The GAAPP Academy continues to be a cornerstone of our educational outreach. On March 5th, we invited our member organizations to join us for an insightful session on "Optimizing Your Use of GAAPP Resources", led by our VP of Education, Kristen Willard, MS. This session was an invaluable opportunity for members to engage, learn, and maximize the impact of our collective resources.

Visit https://gaapp.org/gaapp-academy/ in order to access the recording of the webinar.

Advocacy in Action: Rare Disease Day

This year's Rare Disease Day was a testament to the power of community and advocacy. As part of our ongoing efforts, GAAPP provided comprehensive social media toolkits and resources to empower our members and the broader community to raise awareness and foster a global dialogue about rare diseases.

Empowering Communities: EoE Resources in Spanish

In a significant stride towards inclusivity and support, APFED, with GAAPP's backing, has launched a comprehensive suite of resources for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs), specifically Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), now available in Spanish. This initiative marks a pivotal step in our mission to break language barriers and provide accessible, supportive resources to affected communities worldwide.

A Call to Action: Funding and Resources

GAAPP continues to support our member organizations through funding opportunities designed to amplify their impact and reach. The upcoming deadline for funding requests is March 15, 2024. Additionally, our newly launched resources section on the GAAPP website offers a wealth of information on education, advocacy, awareness, and digital health, all aimed at empowering our members and the communities they serve.

Welcoming New Members

This month, we welcomed Allergies Québec from Canada and the Rare Disease Foundation of Iran into our growing family. Their inclusion underscores GAAPP's commitment to fostering a global alliance dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by allergies, atopic, and airway diseases.

Our Global Impact

GAAPP proudly represents 118 organizations across 52 countries, advocating for 19 pathologies and contributing to over 30 multi-stakeholder projects. Our collaborative efforts have led to the publication of more than 30 papers, underscoring our commitment to advancing research, awareness, and patient support.

Looking Forward

As we step into March and beyond, GAAPP remains dedicated to its mission of advocacy, support, and innovation. Our upcoming AGM & SAREAL 2024, educational initiatives, and the continuous expansion of our resources and membership are a testament to the vibrant and resilient spirit of our community. Together, we forge ahead, committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Stay connected with GAAPP through our website and follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and opportunities to get involved. Together, we are stronger.

For more information about GAAPP, our events, and how you can contribute, please visit www.gaapp.org.