40 Years of Hope • 1986 – 2026
Four Decades of Impact.
The Next Chapter Starts
Now.
Help carry hope forward for the next 40 years.
— 1986 to 2026 —
Our Journey Through the Decades
A Community Begins
Marilyn Sampson founds the Wegener’s Granulomatosis Support Group, creating a lifeline for patients and families.
1986
Sharing Knowledge
The first patient educational brochure is published and distributed to nearly 200 members.
1987
Joyce Kullman and Her Family Volunteer
Joyce and her family were neighbors of Marilyn Sampson and started volunteering for the organization. Coincidentally, Joyce’s father was diagnosed with GPA this same year.
1994
Connecting Online
The Foundation launches its first website, helping patients around the world find information and each other.
1995
Growing Together
Members vote to become the Wegener’s Granulomatosis Association International, reflecting a growing global community.
1998
Investing in Discovery
The Foundation launches its first research grant program.
2001
A New Chapter
The first research grant is awarded, and Joyce Kullman becomes Executive Director.
2002
Advancing Research
The Foundation joins the NIH’s Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium (VCRC), strengthening collaboration with leading researchers.
2003
Becoming the Vasculitis Foundation
Members vote to change the organization’s name to better represent everyone affected by vasculitis.
2005
Going Global
The first International Patient Symposium outside the United States is held in Cambridge, England.
2007
A Historic Breakthrough
The first FDA-approved treatment for vasculitis becomes available, and Vasculitis Awareness Month is established.
2011
Investing in the Future
The 10th International Vasculitis Symposium is held, and the first VF Fellowship is awarded.
2013
Patient-Powered Research
The Vasculitis Patient-Powered Research Network (VPPRN) launches, and the monthly webinar series begins.
2014
Thirty Years Strong
Research funding surpasses $2 million, and the Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary.
2016
Global Connections
Patients, caregivers, physicians, and researchers gather at the International Vasculitis Symposium in Chicago to share knowledge and inspire progress.
2017
Together, Even Apart
When the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VF quickly transitioned to virtual support groups, webinars, and educational programming—keeping the vasculitis community connected.
2020
Research for Every Stage of Life
The Foundation expands patient-powered research with new pediatric and pregnancy-focused initiatives.
2022
Together Again
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Vasculitis Symposium returns, reuniting the global vasculitis community in person.
2023
Finding Expert Care
The Find A Doctor directory launches, helping patients locate vasculitis specialists across the country.
2025
Celebrating 40 Years
As the Vasculitis Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary, it joins the global vasculitis community at the 22nd International Vasculitis Workshop in Melbourne, Australia—continuing its commitment to advancing research, education, and support around the world.
2026
A Letter from our President
No One Should Face Vasculitis Alone.
Forty years ago, vasculitis was a shadow. Patients were isolated, doctors had few answers, and families were terrified. The Vasculitis Foundation (VF) was born from a simple, urgent necessity: no one should have to walk this path alone.
Your support has fueled the strides we’ve made in education, diagnosis, treatment, access to care, and research for the past 40 years.
Look How Far We’ve Come Together.
Over the past 40 years, here are just a handful examples of our impact:
- Trained 34 clinical fellows who are now vasculitis specialists, ensuring patients can access expert care
- Funded over 80 research studies that have advanced our understanding of vasculitis and brought us closer to better treatments
- Co-created the ACR/VF Treatment Guidelines in 2022, giving doctors around the world evidence-based protocols for vasculitis care
- Built a global video library of educational resources, webinars, and expert lectures accessible to patients and providers worldwide
- Educated thousands of doctors and community members through symposiums, conferences, and medical summits
- Established a growing network of support groups where patients can find validation, connection, and hope
The Next 40 Years Start With You.
Forty years ago, we were a small group determined to make a difference. Today, we are a global community. But for every patient who finds us, there is another who will be diagnosed tomorrow—facing the same fear my father and neighbor did decades ago. Please help us fund the next 40 years of hope, healing, and breakthroughs.
Joyce A. Kullman
President, Vasculitis Foundation
Ways to Support the Next 40 Years
There are many ways to make an impact. Find the giving option that works best for you.
Make a Gift Today
Make an immediate impact by supporting vasculitis research, education, and patient programs.
Give Through Your IRA
Make a tax-smart gift through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA.
Give Through a DAF
Support the vasculitis community by recommending a grant from your donor-advised fund (DAF).
Give Appreciated Assets
Make an immediate impact by supporting vasculitis research, education, and patient programs.
— Real Lives Touched —
40 Years. Countless Lives Changed.
Four decades. Four unique journeys. Discover how we’ve helped people living with vasculitis find hope and connection.
Lucy De Matos is Diagnosed with Takayasu Arteritis (TAK)
“Now I feel like, wow, somebody understands me.”
(On connecting with the Vasculitis Foundation)
1996
Kenia Perez Melendez is Diagnosed with Behçet's Disease
“We’re still here. We’re not just surviving—we’re thriving.”
(On vasculitis patients)
2004
Victor James is Diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)
“I credit the VF with helping save my life.”
2012
Chloe Cusano is Diagnosed with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (AAV)
“I should still be around in 40 years…who knows what that could look like?”
(On vasculitis treatments and care)
2026
— Our Community —
Real Stories. A Lasting Impact.
Hear from patients and families about what the Vasculitis Foundation has meant to them.
— Your Support in Action —
A Stronger Tomorrow, Thanks to You
Your generosity has driven meaningful progress over the past 40 years.
34 Clinical Fellows Trained
Now vasculitis specialists, expanding access to expert care.
80+ Research Studies Funded
Advancing our understanding of vasculitis and bringing us closer to better treatments.
$3M+ In Research Funding
Across 20+ countries, fueling global collaboration and innovation.
245+ Vital Support Groups
Connecting more than 620 patients, parents, and care partners.
— Our 2026 Impact —
Building on 40 Years of Progress
Your support helps us expand our work across every area of our mission.
Education
Provided education and support to nearly 700,000 people through our website and over 5,000 through webinars, making information accessible when patients need it most.
Research
Reached $3M+ in research funding across 20+ countries, fueling global collaboration, advancing our understanding of vasculitis, and supporting research progress.
Community
Brought 325+ patients and care partners together at our International Vasculitis Symposium and facilitated 245+ virtual support groups for more than 620 participants.
Treatment
Launched a new webinar series on FDA-Approved Treatment Options, providing patients and families with educational information about available vasculitis treatments.
Living Well
Guided 47 patients through our six-week online Navigating Your Journey course and 265+ people through the free guide, offering knowledge and practical coping strategies.
Project ECHO
Launched the first-ever vasculitis-focused hub in the global Project ECHO network, helping clinicians strengthen their knowledge and confidence in vasculitis care with real cases.
— Spreading Awareness Together —
Show Us How You're Spreading Awareness
Post on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok and tag @VasculitisFoundation
— Thank you to our sponsor —
The Next 40 Years Starts With You.
Your year-end gift will help ensure that more people receive a timely diagnosis, access expert care, and find the support they need to live fuller, healthier lives.