Teenage Patient Raises Over $6,000 for the AAAAI Foundation

Attendees at the 3K walk, organized by Alizeh Hammad

Research is an important part of the A/I specialty, and findings from talented researchers have the potential to completely alter patients’ lives. Alizeh Hammad, a high school student living in Pittsburg, Kansas is one of those patients – and she’s passionate about how education and research can change the reality of living with an autoimmune disorder.

At the age of 7, she was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease (scleroderma variant). “My early and middle school years were spent worrying about my diagnosis and trying to hide it from my classmates, but in high school I decided to face the diagnosis and tackle it,” she said.

She founded Immune Advocacy, an organization with the mission of raising public awareness about autoimmunity and supporting research activities.

In an effort to support essential research, she organized a 3K walk in Pittsburg, Kansas. Her efforts garnered support from Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, as well as area businesses and local residents. On August 28, the walk was held on the premises of Pittsburg Parks and Recreation. In all, approximately 100 individuals participated or contributed to the walk.

The event raised $6,829.54 for the AAAAI Foundation, and was such a success that she plans to host another walk next year. Alizeh’s hard work is an important reminder of the impact A/I professionals have on their patients’ lives.

${prev-page}

${next-page}