The Sumaira Foundation | Strategic Alliance Partners
The Sumaira Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to generating global awareness of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Founded in 2014 by NMO patient, Sumaira Ahmed, TSF is dedicated to generating global awareness for NMOSD/MOGAD, creating a community of support, advocating on behalf of patients and their caregivers, and supporting clinical research. The Foundation also works to foster real connections between people affected by NMOSD and MOGAD through its international Ambassador Program. To read patient stories and to learn more about TSF, please visit www.sumairafoundation.org
Latest from The Sumaira Foundation
Prioritizing Brain Health in NMOSD Beyond Disease-Modifying Therapies: Sumaira Ahmed
April 27th 2025The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation emphasized the critical role of lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition for maintaining brain health in patients with NMOSD. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]
Addressing Persistent Challenges in NMOSD Diagnosis and Treatment: Sumaira Ahmed
March 24th 2025Despite advancements in NMOSD treatments, the founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation discussed how misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and disparities in care remain significant challenges. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]
A Patient’s Perspective on Progress and Challenges in NMOSD Treatment Advances: Sumaira Ahmed
March 3rd 2025The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation talked about how the landscape of NMOSD treatment has drastically improved with FDA-approved therapies, while noting that accessibility and awareness remain significant challenges. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]
Advocating and Advancing Research in NMOSD From a Patient Perspective: Sumaira Ahmed
February 1st 2024The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation shared her patient journey living with NMOSD and the progress that has been made in the field over the past decade. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]
The Global Crisis of Misdiagnosis and Challenges in Care for Rare Diseases: Sumaira Ahmed
January 30th 2024The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation discussed the increasing amount of misdiagnosis in rare diseases such as NMOSD and how it impacts these patients in terms of care and support. [WATCH TIME: 2 minutes]
Patient Perspective on the Health Canada Approval of Inebilizumab for NMOSD: Sumaira Ahmed
January 29th 2024The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation shared her patient perspective of Health Canada’s approval of inebilizumab in terms of its implications for patients and how it paves the way for future treatments in NMOSD. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]
Building a Greater Understanding for NMOSD Treatments, Neurodegeneration: John Chen, MD, PhD
April 5th 2023The neuroophtalmologist at Mayo Clinic detailed improvements in prescribing methods for NMOSD treatments and the conversations surrounding reversing neurodegeneration. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]
Creating Positive, Helpful Work Environments for Patients With NMOSD: Farrah Mateen, MD, PhD
March 8th 2023The associate director of the Multiple Sclerosis & Neuromyelitis Optica Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital discussed the ways employers and clinicians can alleviate work hardships experienced by patients with NMOSD. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]
Identifying Reasons, Barriers to Low Employment Rates in NMOSD: Farrah Mateen, MD, PhD
March 1st 2023The associate director of the Multiple Sclerosis & Neuromyelitis Optica Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital provided perspective on a study that linked NMOSD to increased unemployment and decreased income. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes]
The Sumaira Foundation Providing Access to Care for Patients with NMOSD: Sumaira Ahmed
November 13th 2022The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation discussed her experience living with NMOSD and the global organization she created to help patients with the same condition. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes]
