The holiday season is here – a time for gratitude, celebration, and reflection. This year is especially meaningful as we mark the 10th anniversary of the APS Type 1 Foundation. Join us as we look back on a decade of progress and hope for the future.
Wow, where did this year go? This time of year creates an opportunity to reflect – not just on the past 12 months but also on the incredible milestones we’ve reached over the past decade as we celebrate our 10th anniversary as a foundation. While I’m sure I could write a small novel, I’ll take a moment to give thanks for a few notable accomplishments as I look back on 10 years of leading this group.
Our Founders
First, I want to thank Sherri and Dave Seyfert, who encouraged Heather and me to embark on this journey 15 years ago. We first met them at an early gathering of a handful of APSers in Dr. McLauren’s office in NYC. Pablo Ramirez and his wonderful mother, Gloria Uribe, were also with us. That was the first time we met others living with this condition. In those early days, we were often hesitant to talk to each other out of fear of hearing something overwhelming. But we pressed on, organized incredible fundraisers through NORD, joined forces, built friendships, and navigated the complex regulations to achieve 501(c)(3) status in 2014. Sherri, Dave, and Heather—thank you for this amazing journey.
Our Incredible Board
Our board members have made an immeasurable impact, and there’s so much to celebrate. I think of Jennifer Orange, who, in the early years, championed our efforts in Canada and drove the success of our first symposium in Toronto – how excited we were to connect in person. I recall meeting Robin Finch, Sam, and Robin’s mom at a Hypoparathyroidism Association conference with Dr. Anderson, where a simple but important question—”Do APS patients ever get a rash?”—sparked an enlightening conversation and lead to Sam’s formal diagnosis. Julia Richardson and Pushpa Rao, along with their beautiful families, brought positivity and practical ideas to anyone in need at early events. Laura Rivard has stepped up and provided invaluable insights with her genetics expertise and passion for the community, sparked by her niece, Sam Finch. This year, I am especially proud that our daughter, Gaby, joined the board, setting the stage for the next generation of leaders in this community for the years to come.
The Magnificent MAC
Drs. Mihalis Lionakis, Mark Anderson, Dana Orange, Richard Auchus, and Maureen Su have been instrumental in transforming the landscape for APS Type 1. A special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Lionakis and the NIH team, whose groundbreaking research has changed the game for this condition. The collaborations among these physician-scientists have reshaped diagnostics, treatments, and management strategies, including launching the first clinical trial for APS Type 1. They have guided our registry development and studies we’ve funded and provided steadfast support through COVID-19. Their teamwork has helped pave the way for our future, and we owe them immense gratitude.
ALL OF YOU
Finally, to this remarkable community and all those who support it, thank you for your unwavering commitment. You have rallied around one another through good times and bad, sharing and caring for one another, raising funds to sustain the Foundation and the important work we do every day. Keep leaning on one another and cultivating those long-term friendships – it’s what makes us the community we are today. To our incredible donors whose commitment to this community cannot be understated. We wouldn’t be able to do the important work we do without your support. Thank you!
While I’m sure I’ve missed recognizing many deserving individuals, please know how deeply we appreciate every one of you for helping us get through the first 10 years. We look forward to growing and learning from all of you as we plan for the next decade.
Have a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones, and I hope to see you next summer at our 6th International Symposium on APS Type 1 in San Francisco, California, July 10–12, 2025. Stay tuned for more details in the new year.
Season’s Greetings,
Todd Talarico
President, The APS Type 1 Foundation
Would like to thank everyone for all they do.Without people like you and our personal care team I hate to think where our 5yo grandson Jude would be.Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Joseph.