I decided to get involved in VPPRN research for two reasons. First, after having a “crash and burn” experience with GPA, and discovering that no one knew the cause and there was no cure; I felt that I owed it to my family to do what I could to help find effective treatments and, hopefully, someday, a cure. The second reason I wanted to work with VPPRN is because I had a bad experience with a clinic when I was trying to volunteer for a study. It was that experience which convinced me that patients need to be active participants in research design and execution.