GJCF is delighted to share exciting news about our Patient Advocacy Program!
We are very pleased to announce that Cori Woolf has been named Director of Patient Advocacy for The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation (GJCF). Cori brings years of experience as a devoted and effective NMO patient advocate—and a trusted leader of the GJCF Advocacy mission.
Cori has a deep personal connection to our NMO patient community as a patient advocate that makes her a highly sought voice in NMO and related rare disease forums, including NORD, SRNA, MOG Project and GJCF Industry Council events. Please join us in welcoming her in this new leadership role.
Cori leads the team of authorized representatives of patient advocacy on behalf of GJCF. Other members of this proven team include:
Kim Jackson-Matthews
Leader — Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
Kim brings more than 30 years of communication skills in TV and radio. Kim’s media expertise along with her perspective of women living with the challenges of NMO promotes access to advocacy programs to serve our patient and caregiver community.
Jesus Loreto
Leader — Patient Community Liaison
The journey to understanding NMOSD has taken Jesus from a community member to a deeply passionate advocate. Jesus conveys trusted educational resources and support group opportunities to our Spanish-speaking community of patients, care partners, and clinicians.
This team is supported by outstanding individuals including:
Renee Rodriguez — Senior Project Coordinator, Logistics
Reneé joined the Foundation in 2013 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous work as a Conference Manager and the owner of small couture business. As Senior Project Coordinator, Reneé coordinates calendar management, conference logistics, and administrative support.
Brian Coords — Senior Manager, New Media & Website
Brian joined the Foundation in 2015. In his role as our New Media Manager, Brian provides leadership and project management for media projects including the Foundation website, handheld device app, conference events, and other various print and digital media.
Noah DeSantis — Digital Content Creator, Social Media Manager
Noah joined the Foundation in 2024. He manages the Foundation’s daily communications and content featured across social media platforms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Media Arts and Studies from Ohio University.
We greatly appreciate each of these dedicated individuals who are the current representatives of GJCF patient advocacy. Only individuals officially authorized by GJCF may act on behalf of the Foundation in patient advocacy roles. In response to questions that we have received, and as many of you already know, Lisa McDaniel has not been affiliated with GJCF for some time and she does not represent the Foundation in any capacity.
Important Notice: The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation is proud to help provide access to published information and expert opinions about NMO and related conditions. GJCF is not a clinical provider, nor does it provide, advise or represent diagnostic, therapeutic or clinical care recommendations or advice on personal health or healthcare decisions. All patients and caregivers are explicitly advised to consult directly with their healthcare team when making decisions about care. As always, any information shared through GJCF, whether on our website, at events, or through other resources, is intended for general awareness and should only be considered under the guidance of an NMO physician or other qualified healthcare professional in making their own personal healthcare decisions.