about

the foundation

our mission

Ward’s Foundation supports families impacted by rare disease through a network of resources and peer support.

Individual diseases may be rare, yet in total they are more
common than you think.

10,000 rare diseases

It is estimated that there are
as many as 10,000 rare diseases worldwide.

Affects 1 in 10 people

Unfortunately, 1 in 10 people in the US
are affected by rare disease.

50% are children

Rare diseases affect 25 to 30 million
Americans, half of them children.

Shortening their lives

30% of children with a rare disease
won’t live to see their fifth birthday.

our approach

educate

We aim to increase the awareness,
education, and prevention of rare
diseases.

support

We aspire to walk alongside families
in their rare disease journey by
providing resources, guidance, and
support.

improve

We strive to improve the clinical,
diagnostic, and overall patient
experience.

our staff

Caroline Winslett

Executive Director

Katie Debnam

Success Manager

Angel Green

Navigation Manager

Vanessa Shelor

Director of Development

our board of directors

Caroline and Trey Winslett

Cofounders

Caroline and Trey Winslett lost their first born child to Gaucher’s Disease on October 16, 2020. Ward’s legacy, forever sweet if far too brief, endures in the foundation his family has formed. Its name – Ward’s Foundation. Working to Advance Rare Disease Support – speaks of heartbreak. Its mission, inspires hope.

William McGuire

Treasurer

Mary Lake Davidson

Secretary

Matthew Blickley

Director

Nicole Grenier

Director

Meghan Huff

Director

Mallory Kridler

Director

Amanda Moran Lanier, MD

Director

Joey Norman

Director

Steve Sims

Director

your support counts

every dollar helps

our commitment to equality and inclusion

At Ward’s Foundation, we value all individuals and have a strict non-discrimination policy. We serve all members of the community regardless of age, race color, religion, creed, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status under applicable law.