The PAN Foundation launches new Patient and Family Advisory Council

The PAN Foundation recently launched its new Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The PFAC includes an initial group of nine individuals—each of whom have received support from PAN as a patient or serves as a family member, friend, or caregiver of someone who has. By sharing key insights and feedback related to healthcare access and affordability issues, PFAC members serve as key ambassadors and advisors to the work of PAN.

PFAC members include (among others): 

• Phyllis Bass is from Texas and, since childhood, lives with rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic disease that affects the joints. She previously worked in human resources as an analyst and manager. 
• Joan Durnell Powell is from California and, since 2014, lives with myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a rare blood disorder. The disease is also known as a form of blood and bone marrow cancer. She is a patient advocate who also serves in several roles with local and national civic organizations.  
• Meryll Gobler is from California and is a friend of PAN grant recipient Sue Greene. She previously worked as a resource coordinator for older adults in her community.  
• Sue Greene is from California and lives with rheumatoid arthritis (since 2003) and atrial fibrillation (since 2013), which is a type of heart disease. She is a lifelong biking enthusiast.    
• Jennifer Matsuda is from Washington and is the wife and caregiver of PAN grant recipient Scott Matsuda. She and Scott enjoy spending time with their grandkids.  
• Scott Matsuda who is from Washington and, since 2012, lives with leukemia, which is a blood cancer. He and his wife, Jennifer, own a photography company.  
• George Valentine is from Texas and, since 2002, has lived with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is a blood cancer. He previously worked for over 40 years in the information technology sector. 

“Patients and their families are at the core of what we do here at PAN,” said PAN Foundation President and CEO Kevin L. Hagan. “We value their voices and commit to working alongside our PFAC members to ensure we keep patient needs top-of-mind moving forward. I look forward to the positive impact they have on our work in the months and years to come.”

As a voluntary, non-governing body, the PFAC meets several times per year. During its inaugural virtual meeting last month, PFAC members discussed key issues around finding financial help in the face of a chronic or serious diagnosis. The group also brainstormed opportunities to reach more patients and providers with information about PAN and its patient assistance programs.

Learn more about PAN’s Patient and Family Advisory Council. Read our patient and provider stories to learn how PAN has helped in their care journeys.

About the PAN Foundation  
The PAN Foundation is an independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.  

Since 2004, we have provided more than 1 million underinsured patients with $4 billion in financial assistance. Partnering with generous donors, healthcare providers, and pharmacies, we provide the underinsured population access to the healthcare treatments they need to best manage their conditions and focus on improving their quality of life. Learn more at panfoundation.org.