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.

Caroline

Winslett

Executive Director

Andrea

Harknett

Executive Vice President

Katie

Debnam

Success Manager

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
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