IDF Education Meetings: Bringing Together the IDF Community to Build Connections, Foster Education and Have Fun
There are many opportunities for the IDF community to come together and learn about living with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PI), one of those being IDF Education Meetings. These educational events, held in various cities around the country throughout the year, are specifically designed for individuals with PI and their families to provide
Read MoreIDF Started with You
The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) started with volunteers. In 1980 Marcia Boyle co-founded IDF, the national nonprofit patient organization dedicated to people with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PI) after her son was diagnosed with a PI. Following his diagnosis, Marcia soon realized and was deeply concerned to find there were no
Read MoreCommon Misconceptions & Current Treatment
Common misconceptions of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PI) are that individuals with these rare, chronic disorders are “allergic to the world” and they “live in a bubble.” With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most living with a PI can lead healthy and productive lives—with no need to shield themselves from the world. Take the 2017
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight - Kelly Spinelli-Deaves
One thing that frustrates many of those living with a primary immunodeficiency disease (PI) are the years of struggling it takes to finally reach a diagnosis. After 15 doctors and 5 years, Kelly Spinelli-Deaves was finally able to put a name to her suffering: Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), a type of PI. Pictured: Kelly Spinelli-
Read MoreWhy does the PI community identify with zebras?
You may be wondering why your friend or family member living with primary immunodeficiency disease (PI) calls themselves a zebra, wears zebra print clothing and says things like, “zebra strong!” This is because the PI community often strongly identifies with zebras based on an old saying that doctors learn in medical school. Physicians are
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