Relapsing Polychondritis Awareness and Support Foundation Inc.

Founded by a small group of relapsing polychondritis (RP) patients in 2013, the Relapsing Polychondritis Awareness and Support Foundation, Inc. (RPASF), is dedicated to promoting awareness to RP, advocating for research, and providing support for families affected by this rare disease. The RPASF helps the patient community access specialty physician and diagnostic services for RP. RPSAF provides clinical overviews to educate both the medical community and the public, and support an online community through social media. Polychondritis is a rare disease that causes inflammation of the cartilage. It primarily affects the ear, bridge of the nose, the aortic valve, larynx, and the trachea, but can affect anywhere cartilage is present. Ultimately, inflammation of cartilage long-term can degenerate the tissue. Currently, the cause of RP is unknown, though it is thought to be an autoimmune disease. It can affect men and women equally and occurs in about 3-5 individuals per million people. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RPASFInc; Twitter Handle @RPASFInc