Greetings everyone!
When I look back on 2025, I see it as a year full of initiatives to improve the understanding and management of Fabry disease. So many individuals and organizations, along with us, have worked hard to improve education and awareness of Fabry disease and have provided programs and resources to help people with Fabry disease live better and longer lives.
It seems like the countless people vested in making life better for people with Fabry disease are in an endless relay race. Each time a new study or research paper is completed, a new educational webinar is produced, or a new program is implemented, the baton is passed to someone with a new idea to develop and implement. As more questions are answered and more problems are solved, more questions arise—and the race goes on.
We sincerely thank all those working diligently on behalf of people with Fabry disease.
On a parallel path, people with Fabry disease and their families are on their own journeys to live their best lives possible. It takes tremendous time, energy, strength, courage, perseverance, resilience, faith, and sometimes luck to overcome the challenges of living with Fabry disease. I know from experience that surprises—good and bad—come often.
Fabry disease is a progressive disease. Even with good management and effective treatment, optimal health is a moving target. Best wishes to our community members as they work to overcome the challenges they face.
I am inspired by the scientific progress that has been made and what is yet to come, including increased early diagnoses, improved management, and better treatments. I am inspired by the growth and mutual support in our community. I am inspired and thankful for the opportunities for children and adults to avoid some of the devastating effects of Fabry disease when treatment can be started earlier in life and with improved management.
I remain sad for the families who still experience the premature loss of loved ones as progress is made, and for those with health challenges that take away their enjoyment of life. But I find comfort in knowing that the prognosis for people with Fabry disease overall is brighter.
Thank you also to my NFDF team members, Casey McKenna and Hannah Prince Sawyers, for their expertise, creativity, hard work, service to our community, and dedication in all that we have accomplished. We have a great team!
As we say goodbye to 2025, we are excited about the possibilities of 2026. We wish everyone a Happy New Year and much joy, happiness, and success in the coming year!
Best wishes,
Jerry Walter
NFDF Founder and President
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