Volunteer
Making a Difference
Volunteers are an important part of the work we do and allow us to maximize our capacity as a small nonprofit. In addition to our Board and committees, the following are a few key volunteer programs.
Student Ambassador Program
Launched in 2021, the UMSDF Student Ambassador program brings together a group of engaged advocates from around the United States to learn about Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency and bring awareness to their communities. Each Student Ambassador has the opportunity to participate in a number of committees and take on independent projects based on their strengths, knowledge, network, and interest.
Project Examples from Previous Student Ambassador Classes
The Student Ambassador Program is open to anyone who has not yet completed their terminal degree (undergraduate students, students in a gap year(s), individuals still in professional school).
Applications are closed for the 2025-26 Cohort but will open in June 2026!
Student Ambassadors
Nasikah Ahmed
Arizona, USA
John Alex
New York, USA
Dany Cano Torrecillas
Nuevo León, Mexico
Charlotte Chui
California, USA
Hope Fan
Illinois, USA
Haley Havens
Texas, USA
Jess Iller
Pennsylvania, USA
Natalie Lilien
New York, USA
Ashley Lira-Rivera
Tennessee, USA
Kinslee Millican
Texas, USA
Isabel Nevez
California, USA
Quinn Olson
New York, USA
Emily (Gaines) Sandlin
Alabama, USA
Jaisuria Satish Babu
Massachusetts, USA
Carly Sauter
Ohio, USA
Brooklyn VanGorder
California, USA
Malaika Vaz
Ohio, USA
Professional Ambassador Program
Our re-launched Professional Ambassador program is a great way for those who love the Foundation’s mission to get more involved. This program pulls working professionals from across the U.S. and abroad to strengthen the Foundation’s network and grow awareness of MSD and our mission.
As a Professional Ambassador, you will receive:
Our re-launched Professional Ambassador program is a great way for those who love the Foundation’s mission to get more involved. This program pulls working professionals from across the U.S. and abroad to strengthen the Foundation’s network and grow awareness of MSD and our mission.
As a Professional Ambassador, you will receive:
In exchange, we ask our Professional Ambassadors to:
Does this sound like the perfect volunteer and engagement opportunity for you? Send us an email and let’s chat!
Current Professional Ambassadors
Dawn Agar
Realtor
Mississippi, USA
Kara Anseth
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Colorado Springs School District 11
Colorado, USA
Buffy Butler
Managing Director, Nextaff
Florida, USA
Nayeem Choudhury
Clinical Research Project Manager, ICON Strategic Solutions
Texas, USA
Bethanie Mauerman M.Ed., LPC
Kent State University and First Step Recovery
Ohio, USA
John Snellings
Co-founder and CEO, Nextaff
Colorado, USA
Diane Tucker
Professor Emerita, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Alabama, USA
Dr. William Van Wurm
Pediatrician, MS Pediatric Associates
Mississippi, USA
Chisom Pius
Founder, Rare Disease Awareness
Support Foundation
Lagos, Nigeria
Allison Milicia
Genetic Counseling Student, Mount Siani
New York, USA
Annual Zebra Run for Rare Disease
Zebra Run is a fundraising and community-building event that raises critical funds to further MSD research and family support. There are many ways for individuals to participate in this annual event.
Let’s Connect
Connect with MSD families and get valuable information from medical researchers and doctors.