Board Members Create Holiday Magic
This Thursday, December 19, something extraordinary is happening: Our new board members, Dahlia (Liao) Mak and Noelle Creamer, are turning their personal connections to vasculitis into powerful action. They’re matching every donation to the Vasculitis Foundation—dollar for dollar—up to $16,000 from the 19th through the 22nd!
This special Double Match Day is more than a fundraiser; it’s a chance for our community to join two passionate advocates who truly understand the impact of this disease. Your gift will go twice as far, powering vital support for patients and families affected by vasculitis.
The pair joined the board this year to support the VF’s mission of building community, providing support, funding research and fellowships and educating and empowering the entire network of people impacted by vasculitis. Both are dedicated professionals whose work is aimed at helping people live healthy lives. Dahlia comes from the health care industry, while Noelle is a board-certified wellness coach.
Dahlia has been in healthcare administration and consulting for more than 20 years. Healthcare improvement has been an areas of interest for Dahlia personally and professionally. In December 2013, the urgent need for quality and patient safety improvements hit home with the sudden death of her brother from a missed diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
“I think of my brother Darwin every day and wish his clinical experience was different,” Dahlia said. “I wish he could have been referred to a specialist early on, wish that his doctors questioned why he wasn’t improving, and wish his care team took time to explore differential diagnoses and engage a rheumatologist in his care.”
Dahlia, who is joined by her family in offering the double match in honor of Dr. Darwin James Liao, knows that while Vasculitis is a rare disease, it can be diagnosed more quickly. Once diagnosed, patients need support, education and advocacy and that’s where the VF steps in and that’s why she’s offering this double match.
“We need to elevate awareness and knowledge of vasculitis from diagnosis and treatment to long-term disease management,” Dahlia said. “We need to ensure that patients receive the best possible vasculitis care regardless of their zip code.”
Noelle is passionate about promoting health and wellness, particularly for those living with vasculitis. Her personal experience with GPA offers her firsthand insights into the “rollercoaster” often experienced by those with this condition. Much of her knowledge about vasculitis stems from her own journey, which she says she considers “life wisdom” gained through navigating these challenges.
“I am very impressed with the Vasculitis Foundation’s commitment to education for both patients and the medical community,” she said. “The VF’s educational programs provide information and resources that empower patients to better manage their health and advocate for their care. I am eager to contribute to these types of initiatives, which are so important in transforming patient care and advancing medical practices in the field of vasculitis.”
The double match allows Noelle to help “ensure that the VF not only continues to be an ecosystem of support and information but also a leader in impactful vasculitis education that reaches a global audience – no small feat!”
“Living with GPA has been a wild ride, but it’s taught me one thing: community is everything. That’s why I’m so proud to be part of this match, alongside Dahlia” Noelle said. “Together, we can turn every dollar into double the impact and double the hope! When you donate today, you’re not just giving money – you’re giving someone the chance to feel supported, understood, and seen. Take it from me; that’s priceless!”
