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MICHAEL AGATHIS | VF Patient Hero 2022

2022 Vasculitis Foundation Patient Hero, Michael Agathis was diagnosed with Granulomatosis withpolyangiitis (GPA) in 2013.

“Strength comes from true belief and faith in God and the strength to live from my wife and daughters.”

About the 2022 Patient Heroes Program

Ordinary people can become extraordinary in their journey through life — and this has never been truer than it is today. Look around and you’ll see that there are everyday heroes living among us. That’s why this Vasculitis Awareness Month, the VF will be highlighting a few of the many everyday heroes from our vasculitis community during our second Patient Heroes project.

Earlier this year, we asked for patient hero nominations from the vasculitis community and we were overwhelmed with the number of people whose names were submitted. Judges from outside the vasculitis community chose 11 of the nominees’ personal stories that will be told through collectible baseball-type trading cards that will be used to increase awareness throughout the greater vasculitis community.

View all 2022 Patient Heroes

Logo for Vasculitis Awareness Month (VAM), observed in May. The logo features bold letters 'VAM [may]' with the words 'Vasculitis Awareness Month' beneath, and a stylized circular symbol composed of overlapping white rings to the left.

Help us raise $100,000 to create more life-changing connections

Your donation funds the VF’s vision for the future

  • $25 welcomes new support group members
  • $50 shares vital educational resources
  • $100 connects patients with vasculitis experts
  • $250 brings our community together through events
  • $500 promotes awareness and early detection