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A Second Chance at Life: Belinda Patlidanovski’s Vasculitis Journey

Belinda Patlidanovski and her husband smiling while Belinda is in the hospital bed.

A Second Chance at Life: Belinda Patlidanovski’s Vasculitis Journey Belinda is from Sydney, Australia, and describes herself as a positive person who loves to travel, have fun, and be “the calm to anyone’s storm—except my own (ha-ha).” Just a few years ago, her life looked very different. What began as sinus issues and asthma would […]

Healing Is Not a Straight Line: Vlasta’s Journey Through Reconstruction and Recovery

Vlasta Racki pictured smiling during recovery following reconstructive surgery.

Healing Is Not a Straight Line: Vlasta Racki’s Journey Through Reconstruction and Recovery Since her story was first published (Blooming Through Resilience: A Story of Life with VasculitisVasculitis Foundation), Vlasta says the biggest change hasn’t only been physical—it’s been how she understands healing. Early in her diagnosis, she often felt like she was […]

Nancy Kilbourn’s Story: Finding Answers and Living with Vasculitis

Photo of Nancy Kilbourn smiling outside while enjoying a nature walk.

Nancy Kilbourn’s Story: Finding Answers and Living with Vasculitis At 73 years old, Nancy was so exhausted that walking across a room felt overwhelming. She had begun using a cane, was driving less, and slowly withdrawing from activities she once loved. For years she had been searching for answers. Doctor visits and tests kept coming […]

A Second Chance in Life: Ranae Goleman’s Journey with Vasculitis

Ranae Goleman and husband pictured with excitement on their faces during a doctor's appointment.

A Second Chance in Life: Ranae Goleman’s Journey with Vasculitis At 35 years old, Ranae lives in Verdigris, Oklahoma, with her husband, Drake, of 14 years. Known for her optimistic outlook and desire to bring joy to others, she says the meaning of her name—“born again”—has taken on deeper significance after everything she has endured. […]

From Advocacy to Impact: Policy Strategies to Accelerate Rare Disease Cures

Beth Westbrook of the Vasculitis Foundation, Annie Kennedy of the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, and Kit Devine, Legislative Assistant to Representative Kevin Mullin, and Brett McReynolds, Penn Quarter Partners pictured on Zoom Call for virtual rare disease policy briefing

From Advocacy to Impact: Policy Strategies to Accelerate Rare Disease Cures​ On February 19, the Vasculitis Foundation hosted a virtual rare disease policy briefing that brought together leaders from patient advocacy organizations, research institutions, and congressional offices. The discussion focused on a critical question for the rare disease community: how can policy help accelerate the development of treatments […]

Carrying What Didn’t Break Her: Shelley Nipper’s Vasculitis Story

Shelley Nipper pictured outside wearing a white long sleeve sweater and a long tulle grey skirt.

Carrying What Didn’t Break Her: Shelley Nipper’s Vasculitis Story At 30 years old, Shelley lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee — not as someone defined by illness, but as someone shaped by fortitude. She described herself simply: “I’m resilient, deeply empathetic, faith-driven, and stronger than I ever planned to be.” That strength was forged early on. Six […]