As a patient living with disseminated coccidioidomycosis and co-founder of the Mycology Advocacy, Research & Education (MyCARE) Foundation, my involvement with the Pediatric Fungal Network STudy of Rare Invasive Fungal DisEases in Immunocompromised Pediatric Patients (PFN-STRIDE) and the RDCRN has profoundly influenced both my advocacy and our organization's approach to patient-centered research.

Through collaborations with PFN-STRIDE investigators and participation in RDCRN activities, I have gained a deeper understanding of how meaningful partnerships between patients and researchers can improve study design, participant engagement, and dissemination of research findings.

The RDCRN has demonstrated how patient organizations can move beyond traditional advocacy to become active collaborators in research. That experience continues to influence my work and has strengthened MyCARE's ability to connect patients, clinicians, researchers, and public health partners to improve the relevance and impact of fungal disease research.