ARDS Alliance

No One Should Face ARDS and ECMO Alone

We are a support community for families and survivors while advancing awareness, education, and research for ARDS and ECMO.

What is ARDS?

ARDS, or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, is a serious lung condition that happens when fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. It can develop quickly after severe illness, infection, pneumonia, trauma, or other medical complications. ARDS often requires intensive care and can be life-threatening, but survivors and families can find hope through greater awareness, support, and continued research.

our role

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) affects thousands annually. We fund critical research, provide patient resources, and advocate for better treatment protocols.

What is ECMO?

ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is an advanced life-support treatment used when the lungs, heart, or both are too sick to work properly on their own. The ECMO machine temporarily takes over part of the work of breathing and circulation by adding oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide outside the body. It is often used in critical care settings for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure, including some people with ARDS.

our role

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) saves lives. We advance technology, train medical professionals, and support families through their ECMO journey.

About ARDS Alliance

We are a network of patient-advocates, scientists, disease experts, and drug developers who have joined together to leverage our collective knowledge and resources to educate, influence policy makers and accelerate research to transform our understanding of ARDS and ECMO.

What we do

ONLINE SUPPORT

An online support community designed for the many people affected by ARDS and ECMO

LEARN MORE

Testimonials

"The ARDS alliance is welcoming and has helped me along with a lot of other people by creating weekly zoom calls where people can connect with others who have been impacted by ARDS. I have found it beyond helpful to connect with others and not feel so alone”

Penny, ARDS Survivor

ARDS Survivor

The ARDS Alliance has given us a community of people who have a shared experience with ARDS. It has given us the opportunity to share our story with the hope of educating and spreading awareness.

Jamie Bressler

Caregiver

When you first get out of hospital care for ARDS you search for an understanding of what just happened. Shortly after discharge from the hospital I met Paula and she invited me to join a weekly ARDS conversation that she moderated online. It was there that I became part of a ARDS community and knew I wasn’t alone in this journey.

Darrell Raikes

ARDS Survivor/Caregiver