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Patient Advocacy Council Logo

The Guthy-Jackson NMO Patient Advocacy Council (PAC) is committed to providing educational resources, extending awareness to urban and rural communities, and connecting patients, caregivers, and families within the local and on-line NMO community with one another.

Our volunteer initiatives focus on advancing awareness, enhancing visibility, encouraging outreach, amplifying diverse voices, and supporting individuals affected by NMO and their families, ensuring a warm welcome to our community.

Core Values
Compassion · Empowerment · Inclusivity & Diversity · Collaboration· Integrity · Innovation · Resilience · Patient-Centered Focus

The NMO Patient Advocacy Council is led by Cori Woolf, Director of Patient Advocacy and Kim Jackson-Matthews, DEIA Lead.

We encourage you to join one of our many monthly virtual Support Groups facilitated by our Advocacy Team and PAC Members. Register to join here: The Guthy-Jackson Foundation | Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Interested in Becoming a GJCF Patient Advocacy Council (PAC) Member?
Submit your application online, meet with the GJCF Advocacy Team and complete online PAC Training. You may also choose to join an optional working group—fundraising is never required. Connect with fellow advocates, share your story, and attend community events. A small time commitment with the opportunity to make a significant impact in the rare disease community.  

Cori Woolf Headshot

Cori Woolf

Director of Patient Advocacy

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Kim Jackson-Matthews

Kim Jackson-Matthews

DEIA Lead

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An Image of Erica Behling

Erica Behling

North East Region

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An Image of Deneisha Ellis

Deneisha Ellis

Southern California and
Southwest Regions

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An Image of Michelle Dean

Michelle Dean

Northern California and
Midwest Regions

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An Image of Kim Jackson-Matthews

Kim Jackson-Matthews

California and Southwest Regions

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An Image of Doug Holly Kirby

Doug & Holly Kirby

Northwest and Mountain Regions

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An Image of Jesus Maria Loreto

Jesus & Maria Loreto

Florida and Spanish speaking patients
and caregivers

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An Image of Laura May

Laura May

East Coast

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An Image of Natasha Polo

Natasha Polo

New York and the Tri-State Area Region

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An Image of Barry Sharon Shapiro

Barry & Sharon Shapiro

South and South East Regions

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An Image of Julie Robert Waller

Julie & Robert Waller

Southern Midwest

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An Image of Jeff Woolf

Jeff Woolf

Northern Midwest

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Kristin Wiedower

Kristin Wiedower

Wisconsin

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Sandra Adda

Sandra Adda

Florida

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Heather Sowalla

Heather Sowalla

Pennsylvania

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Fast Facts about NMOSD