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The Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) Foundation

The Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) Foundation is a patient-driven nonprofit that raises awareness, facilitates education, and catalyzes research to treat and cure this rare disease.
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Our Story

When the RP Foundation was established, there was little to no awareness about relapsing polychondritis. Some of the most recent scientific articles dated to the early 20th century. We focused our early efforts on building relationships and raising awareness for RP and other autoimmune diseases primarily through our successful Race for RP campaign. With that solid foundation, we’re now able to focus on educating the public and the medical community while raising over half a million dollars for research.

Our History

Our Mission

The Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation’s mission is to facilitate awareness, education, and research to improve the quality of life for patients with relapsing polychondritis (RP) and advance a cure for this disease.

Our Vision

We believe rare diseases don’t have to be incurable diseases and the best way to support patients is to build strong relationships. We have a shared vision to improve awareness of relapsing polychondritis and autoimmune diseases in general, catalyze new research efforts, improve diagnosis and treatment, and connect patients and their families with the support and resources they need.

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Our Board of Directors

Members of the RP Foundation Board of Directors have a diverse range of experience in government, healthcare, nonprofit fundraising, and private sector corporations across multiple disciplines. Many of us also have personal experiences with RP or other autoimmune diseases.

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Nancy Linn

Director / Chair

Nancy Linn is a research advocate and philanthropist. In 2011, she was diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis. Nancy produced RP: The Ride of My Life, a documentary about her battle with relapsing polychondritis, to advance research in pursuit of treatments and cures for this and other autoimmune diseases.

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Michael Linn

Director / Vice Chair

Michael Linn has over 25 years of operational, transaction and start-up experience in the investment management business. Since 2015, Michael has been an advocate for autoimmune disease awareness and research.

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David Bammert

Director / President

Dave has 30 years of experience in public and private sector development, including fund development, philanthropic donor research, marketing and recruitment, and grant writing. He has a proven record of engaging donors to advance research and designing educational and advocacy experiences to connect researchers with various communities.

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David DeRosa

Director / Treasurer / Secretary

Mr. DeRosa is a Mobility Lead at AECOM with over ten years of experience in both public and private sectors, as well as non-profit. He is based in Los Angeles and his recent experience has focused on delivery of transportation projects including Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Hyperloop, High-Speed Rail, Light-Rail, and Streetcars.

Frances Sweeney

Frances Sweeney

Director

Fran Sweeney has over 35 years of experience in the financial markets. She is an advocate and volunteer for several community-based programs and nonprofit organizations in the Los Angeles area and an early supporter of the Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation.  

Driving Awareness for Relapsing Polychondritis

Race for RP is a partnership with race car drivers, teams, owners, sponsors, and enthusiasts to drive awareness and accelerate research for relapsing polychondritis and other autoimmune diseases. Whether you’re a professional driver, amateur racer, or a weekend warrior passionate about racing, connect with us to learn how you can Race for RP.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Through the synergy of our partnerships, we’re reimagining RP-centered research and patient care. We’re always looking for innovative partners and targeted collaborative opportunities that drive real results for patients and families living with RP and other autoimmune diseases.

Where There’s Research, There’s Hope

A few years ago, there were few options and even fewer resources for patients living with RP. We’re working every day to unlock the mysteries of RP and deliver hope to patients and their families.