OUR PEOPLE
Our Team
With first hand experience of ARDS, we’re committed to helping others in need
Paula Blonski
President
My life, and the life of my entire family changed forever on August 8, 1998. That is the day we lost my sister, Marybeth to ARDS…
Maria Young
Director
Maria battled acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) required life-saving ECMO treatment and is a tireless champion for ECMO patients…
Dan Bisset
Director
I was placed on ECMO and transferred to their main campus. I was given a 0-5% chance of survival…
Susan East
Treasurer
I never dreamed that I could get ARDS again but in 2014 and 2017 I had it. Having survived ARDS three times has made me a different person…
Rick Bressler
Director
I was hospitalized from March 24, 2021, to July 22, 2021; a total of 120 days…
Crystal Lively
Vice President
I’m recovered now. I have scars I carry with me that will permanently serve as a reminder of what happened…
Jasmine Patel
Director
Jasmine firmly believes that patient voices must be heard and is dedicated to ensuring that they have a seat at the table when important healthcare decisions are being made….
Alec Morley
Director
I spent 25 days on ECMO and a ventilator, followed by a further 10 days just on the ventilator. The recovery was both mentally and physically draining…
Sumita Dixit
Founding Director
In Memoriam
Update: Our friend, and colleague, Sumita passed away October 14, 2022. She is greatly missed and her immense contributions were vast and unwavering…