Help me represent patients with airway stenosis

My name is Catherine Anderson, and I have spent the last 14 years in the volunteer role of patient advocate, representing people with airway stenosis. I am the Founder of ‘Living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis (iSGS)’, the world’s biggest support community for patients with airway stenosis. Using my professional research training, I work with doctors globally to research airway stenosis and am an author and co-author on more than 13 peer-reviewed published medical papers.

iSGS is a terrifying disease, impacting the patient’s breathing by slowly building up scar tissue in the subglottic area, just below the vocal cords, and restricting their ability to breathe. Airway stenosis can also be caused by autoimmune disease, airway damage from intubation and injury from heat or chemicals. I have been living with this for 20 years, with more than 30 operations to treat it.

I have been invited to represent airway stenosis patients at the European Laryngological Society's 14th Congress in Milan, Italy in June. This is an incredible opportunity, and I jumped at the chance and accepted the invitation. Unfortunately, they now tell me they have a policy of not sponsoring admission, travel costs or accommodation, even for volunteer non-doctors! So this is what I am now trying to raise money for - including parking, flights, accomodation, conference registration and a networking session, I need £2,200.

To cover the cost of hosting the Rough Guide and other papers ('What we learned') each year, I would need £175 per year (I have covered this myself for the past 8 years). I of course ask nothing for my time for the preparation of these resources.

To attend the Brish Laryngological Society Annual Conference in 2023, I would assume similar costs to this year.

I will set up an account specifically for iSGS and ensure all money is spent for the right reason!

I hate asking for money as I know everyone is stretched and gives so much to other causes, but I do hope you can spare a little. Even a small donation will help add up to the total amount.

Thank you so much in advance. If you have any questions or need any referees to confirm my invitation or any of the above costs, please let me know. I will be happy to oblige.

If I should exceed my target then the remaining funds will be used to attend future conferences….I may even be able to afford to attend the next ELS Congress too!