The Autoimmune Registry hosts a monthly webinar to bring together patient advocacy groups related to autoimmune diseases. This month, we welcomed Ceciel Rooker, President and Executive Director of the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), who shared how patient advocacy organizations inform research priorities, engage federal agencies, and strengthen partnerships to advance patient-centered care.

Topics covered include:
• How advocacy organizations inform NIH and FDA priorities
• Elevating patient voice in scientific and regulatory conversations
• Addressing unmet needs in gastrointestinal and chronic disease communities
• Building sustainable, patient-centered partnerships About the

Speaker: Ceciel Rooker has nearly two decades of experience advancing education, research, and advocacy for individuals living with chronic gastrointestinal disorders. She has served on national advisory councils, federal collaborations, and research working groups, and has testified before the FDA and policymakers to represent patient communities.

About IFFGD

The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a registered nonprofit education and research organization founded in 1991 by .one person struggling with the challenges imposed by a chronic GI disorder. Its mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders.

The foundation works with patients, families, physicians, nurses, practitioners, investigators, regulators, employers, and others to broaden understanding about GI disorders, support and encourage research, and improve digestive health in adults and children. While awareness and understanding of GI disorders has markedly increased over the past few decades, IFFGD continues to address the many patient needs that remain unmet.

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If you work in patient advocacy, clinical research, healthcare policy, or live with chronic illness, this conversation will provide meaningful insight into how patient-centered systems are built and sustained.