As We Close 2025: Reflecting on Community, Impact & What Comes Next
IgG4ward! supports people living with IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD) through education, connection, and patient-centered programs.
As we approach the end of 2025, we want to pause and reflect on what this community has made possible together.
A Year of Growth, Education & Connection
This year marked meaningful growth for IgG4ward!. We expanded education through Fireside Chats and Caregiver Conversations, strengthened mental health support, launched the IgG4ME! app, grew our global physician and Patient Ambassador networks, and brought patients and caregivers together through PeachJAM, the first-ever virtual IgG4ward! Patient Jamboree (CanJAM), and Tour de IgG4ward.
Listening to the Community: 2025 Impact Highlights
Just as importantly, we listened.
Through community feedback and surveys, patients and caregivers shared clear and powerful affirmation of IgG4ward!’s impact:
100% of respondents reported that IgG4ward! helped them feel more connected, informed, or supported
77% reported that a significant increase in support, with the remaining 23% reporting increased support as well
Over 90% of respondents engaged in multiple IgG4ward! programs, demonstrating sustained and meaningful participation
Programs most frequently cited included Patient Jamborees, Fireside Chats, educational resources, online community discussions, and IgG4ME!.
Community members consistently shared that IgG4ward!:
Reduced feelings of isolation, especially after diagnosis
Increased confidence in navigating care and treatment decisions
Felt welcoming and inclusive, fostering connection and belonging
Provided education, awareness, and emotional support across the rare disease journey
Community feedback also helped clarify priorities for the future, including the need for:
Ongoing research and treatment updates
Disease- and organ-specific education
Mental health and emotional wellbeing support
Practical advocacy and outreach tools
Education and awareness for medical providers
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into the new year, we are preparing for an exciting and impactful 2026, shaped directly by community input and lived experience.
Planned initiatives include:
EuroJAM in London - May 22 - 23, 2026
Regional patient-facing events:
July 11 - Palo Alto, California
October 11 - Cambridge, Massachusetts
More information coming soon on the third regional event (November)
Expanded mental health and caregiver support programming
Virtual Monthly Community Support Group begins January 15, 2026 - more information coming soon - stay tuned!
Growth of the Patient Ambassador Program, which currently includes 26 IgG4ward! Patient Ambassadors globally
New educational resources and digital tools
Continued collaboration with the global IgG4-RD community
How You Can Help Us Finish the Year Strong
As we close the year, all gifts made through December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar through our Double the Hope Campaign.
If IgG4ward! has supported you or someone you love this year, we hope you will consider making a year-end gift. Your generosity helps ensure that no one navigating IgG4-RD has to do so alone — and right now, your impact will go twice as far.
With gratitude, and best wishes as we head into the new year,
Dr. John Stone &
Katharine Provencher
