The vasculitis community lost a special friend, Bruce Macdonald, on March 25, 2019.
Macdonald was a longtime member and volunteer for the Vasculitis Foundation (formerly the Wegener’s Granulomatosis Association/Support Group). Years ago, he taught many of our members about the internet—what it was, how to use email, and look for information.
Macdonald helped moderate our Wegener’s listserv with more than 1,000 patients around the world, plus our message boards, and chat rooms. This was all prior to Facebook. Macdonald, along with other volunteers, built the organization’s first two websites, which enabled patients from around the world to find and help build our community.
He also developed a complex list of 76 questions for newly diagnosed patients to ask their doctors. The list was a tremendous informational guide for patients. Macdonald focused on helping patients and their families find the information they needed on treatments, doctors, research to participate in, or results of studies. He always offered support and encouragement to other patients.
In 2006, he was recognized with the Bruce Macdonald Spirit Award for his many years of service to our patients. He will be missed by the Vasculitis Foundation and the vasculitis community.
