I don’t need to tell you about the devastation caused by C. diff infections. As a C. diff survivor/someone who cared for a C. diff patient/treats patients with C. diff, you know firsthand the pain, confusion, and even trauma. Following the death of my mother from a C. diff infection, we wanted to build a community of C. diff patients, survivors, and family members who not only fight the disease but do so in line with her values. One of Mom’s most important values was caring for others, especially when they’re sick or weak.

That’s why we founded our Advocates Council in 2015. Over the past ten years, we have trained more than 60 C. diff survivors and family members. These volunteers have supported hundreds of patients, raised awareness of C. diff in the media, and lobbied Congress and regulatory agencies, helping shape policy and get new therapies approved. Much of Peggy Lillis Foundation’s success is due to these great people.

That’s why I am asking you to join them.

We are recruiting volunteers for our Advocates Council, Peer Support Network, and Speakers Bureau. Below are descriptions of each volunteer group:

Advocates Council
While all volunteers are encouraged to attend our annual Lobby Day, Advocates focus on testifying before legislative or regulatory bodies in the U.S., serving on advisory committees, and lobbying members of Congress for improvements to health policy and public health funding.

Peer Support Network
Peer Support volunteers provide emotional help and advice to people battling C. diff. Volunteers don’t give medical advice, but they answer questions, offer emotional support, share their stories, and connect patients with healthcare providers and resources.

Speakers Bureau
Members of our Speakers Bureau participate in interviews in various formats, such as videos, audio recordings or podcasts, and standard written media. They also present to corporate bodies, clinician communities, or other public events.

C. diff is an often tortuous disease. In addition to the physical symptoms, people suffering from this infection frequently feel isolated and demoralized.

You can make a huge difference in the lives of C. diff patients and caregivers. Our volunteers have supported hundreds of people battling C. diff, helped get new treatments and preventatives approved, represented patients at scientific and clinical conferences, and raised awareness of C. diff by appearing in nearly 100 media pieces last year.

If you become a volunteer before March 1, you’ll be invited to our National C. diff Summit in Washington, DC. PLF covers the costs of travel and lodging.

Please join us today by visiting our Volunteer page and signing up to advocate for, raise awareness of, or support people battling C. diff.

We look forward to working with you.