About HypoPARAthyroidism Association, Inc.
Learn more about our organization's mission, values, and history.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our vision is a world without hypoPARAthyroidism. We work to improve the lives of people impacted by hypoPARAthyroidism through education, support, research, and advocacy.
We strive to be a reliable, dedicated, accessible, inclusive, empowering resource while being compassionate and professional.
Important Stats
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years advocating for hypoPARA patients
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members
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countries worldwide with members
Our History
James Sanders, father of five sons with the rare disease of hypoPARAthyroidism, felt often alone and ill-equipped to cope with the challenges the disease brought to their daily lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho. In 1994, through a study at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), he first met another patient with this disease besides his children. It was then that the idea for an association dedicated to hypoparathyroidism patients was hatched. That year he began with a newsletter for both patients, family, and healthcare providers.
Now, with twenty plus years of hard work, we have grown a worldwide membership exceeding 5,000 members in 70 countries. We have since launched a website as a hub for patient support in partnership with doctors and researchers. We host an annual conference in conjunction with Thyca (Thyroid Cancer Association), to include speakers and attendees from across the globe. Our conferences further bring the medical and patient communities together for mutual exchange on how to treat and live with such a difficult disease.
In 1998, the HypoPARAthyroidism Association incorporated as a nonprofit and became a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. As we’ve grown, we have excitedly supported numerous other associations’ creations in other countries around the globe. I am delighted to say, with our collective efforts, we have and will continue to make a difference in the lives of those touched by hypoPARAthyroidism. In the face of this disease, we need not feel alone. Through the Association and the work, we continue to push and grow, patients like me and my sons now have better access to information and research, skilled and knowledgeable doctors, and a robust, supportive, and understanding community. As I surmised back in 1994, clearly, together we can make a difference.
Jim Sanders
Founder, Board Member Emeritus
HypoPARAthyroidism Association, Inc.
Non-profit Tax EIN: 82-0505424
