About

Who We Are

We are you. We are patients with vasculitis, care partners, friends, family, physicians, and researchers advocating for early diagnosis, better treatments, and improving quality of life for people with vasculitis.

OUR MISSION

Building upon the collective strength of the vasculitis community, the Foundation supports, inspires and empowers individuals with vasculitis and their families through a wide range of education, research, clinical, and awareness initiatives.

OUR VISION

The Vasculitis Foundation is the leading organization in the world dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and curing all forms of vasculitis.

Our History

The Vasculitis Foundation was founded in 1986 by Marilyn Sampson, RN as the Wegener’s Granulomatosis Support Group after Marilyn was diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (formerly called Wegener’s). In just a few decades, the Vasculitis Foundation has grown to encompass support, education, and research for the entire family of vasculitides. 

In a welcome letter to new support group members Marilyn wrote, “Believe me when I say you and your family are not alone . . . . And, believe me when I tell you there is hope! We do not have all the answers; but we want to give you hope, and we want you to fight with everything you have. We want you to believe and know you can lick this disease and survive . . . . 

Marilyn’s words still ring true today. We don’t have all the answers, but there is hope, and you are not alone. Learn more about the history and accomplishments of the Vasculitis Foundation below.

The Vasculitis Foundation’s trademark of three rings represents the small, medium and large vessels which are affected by different types of vasculitis. Although each type of vasculitis is different, they all share some common characteristics. The Vasculitis Foundation is committed to improving the lives of everyone living with vasculitis.