National Volunteer Appreciation Week

“In our work to repair the world, we also repair ourselves. The most precious gift we can give to anyone is the gift of ourselves, our time, our energy, our care, our concern.”  – Sandy Siegel, SRNA President

Each April, we recognize National Volunteer Appreciation Week in addition to MOGAD Awareness Month. This week is a time to recognize and celebrate SRNA’s incredible volunteers and their contributions to the rare neuroimmune disorders community.  

Community Impact

The impact of SRNA volunteers is immeasurable. Every single day they continue to show us the true power of community.

“The Peer Connect Program through SRNA offers a unique and meaningful opportunity to speak with someone who truly understands your specific symptoms—providing not only comfort, but also a sense of connection and support that goes beyond what a doctor can ever offer.” — Masato, Peer Connect Participant

“The SRNA is a fabulous organisation, that offers support and resources not just to those living in the US, but across the world. I’ve benefited greatly from attending events online and learning more about NMO and some of the treatments that I hope will one day reach as far as the UK. Thanks to the SRNA, I can be a conduit for information about my condition that my local neurologist isn’t aware of.

“I particularly appreciate all the advice and support I get from my Peer Connect Mentor. Having a condition like NMO can feel isolating, but knowing that there’s someone there who is happy to listen, and also share their knowledge and experience with me, is invaluable. Comparing notes about some of the bizarre symptoms and complications of our condition is often reassuring, and sometimes even humorous – especially when we talk about the interesting ways we’ve developed to try to explain our condition to those who haven’t experienced it. I always look forward to our sessions, and feel like I’m continuing to learn, even in my third year of living with NMO.

“To all those who give their time and energy voluntarily in order to help others, I say a huge Thank You!”  — Caroline, Peer Connect Participant 

Meet Becca

SRNA volunteers continue to span across the globe and across disorders. This month, we shared the story of Becca. Diagnosed with MOGAD, Becca’s journey led her to getting involved with different patient advocacy organizations like SRNA and The MOG Project. She shares: “If you volunteer, I promise you’ll meet so many caring, supportive individuals focused on improving care for people with rare neuroimmune diseases.”