IWSA and ANA Working Together

Aniridia North America (ANA) and the Int’l WAGR Syndrome Association have formalized their working relationship by executing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU establishes a broad mutual understanding of the two organizations regarding the strategic relationship. It addresses the spirit in which they will collaborate to further awareness of aniridia, encourage and support research, and ultimately improve patient care and outcomes.

The IWSA’s Executive Director Shari Krantz and Director of Research and Medical Advocacy Kelly Trout were instrumental in creating Aniridia North America (ANA) as a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Both Shari and Kelly are founding board members and currently serve as ANA Secretary and Chair, Strategic Planning and Policy.

“Serving on the board of ANA provides great benefits to IWSA members, as we know that nearly all individuals with WAGR syndrome have aniridia,” explains Shari Krantz. “Helping to create ANA’s Strategic Plan has allowed us to keep WAGR syndrome in the conversation. Until recently patients with WAGR syndrome were often excluded from aniridia research. Now we have research projects that include WAGR and the resulting information will help provide better insight to the condition and ultimately better awareness and clinical care.”

Kelly and Shari are joined on the ANA Board by

• Peter Netland, MD, PhD, University of Virginia–Board Chair
• Jim Lauderdale, PhD, University of Georgia–Chair, Scientific Committee
• Rob Grainger, PhD, University of Virginia–Chair, Meetings Committee
• Susan Wolfe, Vision for Tomorrow Foundation–Treasurer
• Janelle Collins, Board Member at Large

The Board recently held their annual meeting and finalized the ANA 2023 Strategic Plan.

To learn more about Aniridia North America, visit aniridiaNA.org