The deaths of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, and bestselling novelist Thomas Perry have once again thrust aortic dissection into the public spotlight. They join actor John Ritter, journalist Grant Wahl, and thousands of families each year whose losses never make the headlines.
Aortic dissection does not discriminate. It crosses borders, generations, professions, political affiliations, and every walk of life.
That is why we, eight aortic-focused organizations from across the United States and Canada, have come together with one voice. We serve different communities, but we share one belief:
The time to act is now.
Research has brought us farther than ever before—but it has not brought us far enough. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, more than 80% of people experiencing an aortic dissection can survive. We know research saves lives. We know awareness saves lives. We know family screening saves lives.
Now we must act.
Fund the Breakthroughs That Save Lives.
We call on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to make research into aortic dissection—including earlier diagnosis, inherited risk, prevention, and treatment—a significantly higher funding priority. Every breakthrough brings us closer to preventing the next dissection before it happens.
Know the Signs. STAT.
Public awareness saves lives.
Suspect an aortic emergency. Time is critical. Obtain Aortic imaging. Talk about your family history.
People with genetic aortic conditions that increase their risk of aortic dissection – such as Marfan syndrome – can face up to a 250-fold greater risk than the general population. Yet many have no idea they are at risk until an aortic dissection becomes their first symptom. Earlier recognition can mean the difference between life and death.
Expand What Works.
Across North America, awareness campaigns, physician education, and patient stories are already leading to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. We must identify what works, invest in it, and rapidly expand successful programs.
Find Families Before Tragedy Finds Them.
Many aortic dissections have an inherited cause. When one person is diagnosed, relatives may also be at risk. Routine family screening and cascade genetic testing can save lives across generations.
Stand with Survivors.
Surviving an aortic dissection is only the beginning. Survivors and their loved ones deserve expert care, mental health support, rehabilitation, and a community that stands beside them.
No one organization can accomplish this alone.
Together, we can. Together, we must.
The next breakthrough is waiting to be funded. The next diagnosis is waiting to be made. The next family is waiting for answers. The next life is waiting to be saved.
We cannot wait for the next headline. We cannot wait for the next preventable loss.
Governments must invest. Healthcare professionals must recognize the signs. Families must know their history. Together, we must choose action over complacency, urgency over delay, and prevention over tragedy.
The time is now.
Signed,
- Aortic Hope – www.aortichope.org
- Genetic Aortic Disorders Association (GADA) Canada – www.gadacanada.ca
- John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health – www.johnritterfoundation.org
- Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation Canada – www.loeysdietzcanada.org
- The Marfan Foundation – www.marfan.org/aorticawareness
- Rock from the Heart – www.rockfromtheheart.org
- ThinkAorta Canada – www.thinkaorta.ca
- ThinkAorta US – www.thinkaorta.us
The Marfan Foundation drives research, education and support – and builds community – to improve outcomes, save lives and empower all people to thrive who are living with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and related genetic aortic and vascular conditions.