Unite our Global Community: Mei Ling’s Story

This December, we’re sharing stories from people who have have helped unite our global community so that patients don’t feel as alone. We’ve made great strides in recent years, but there is still much work to be done. Even in times of economic uncertainty, we each have a deep reserve of generosity, and can make a difference.

Mei Ling’s Story

Mei Ling was diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) in 2002. She reached remission in 2012, the same year she started as an IPPF Peer Coach. In addition to this role, she organizes the Southern California Support Group meeting with Marc Yale.

When Mei Ling was asked how she started as a Peer Coach and what she wants the pemphigus and pemphigoid (P/P) community to know about the IPPF, Mei Ling said:

“I had just retired from my job at an architectural firm when I was asked by the Executive Director of the IPPF at the time, Will Zrnchik, if I would like to become a peer coach. He had noticed that at one of the IPPF Patient Education Conferences I attended, that I was very outgoing and I interacted well with the other patients. He also knew that I was very helpful at most of the Southern California support group meetings which Marc Yale organized. When he asked me, I was rather taken aback, because I didn’t think I was professional enough to join the organization, but he assured me otherwise. Janet Segall and Marc Yale were very helpful to me in learning how to effectively help patients who asked for assistance.”

“The IPPF is doing its best to give a voice to the pemphigus and pemphigoid community, in the United States, and worldwide. There are over 7,000 rare diseases that we know of, and more than 350 million people living with one worldwide, and few FDA approved treatments for P/P patients (as is the case with other rare diseases). The IPPF advocates for more research and awareness, and helps P/P patients everywhere through Patient Education webinars and by providing peer support through the Peer Coach program.”

Our goal at the IPPF is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by pemphigus and pemphigoid. Join us to unite our global community, now through the end of the year. Your tax-deductible donation ensures our patient support programs are available to all those who need them today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Interested in sustaining your impact by becoming a Healing Hero with a monthly donation instead? Check out our Healing Heroes program here.