Our mission
To advance coordinated strategies to improve the lives of people affected by alpha-gal syndrome through collaboration, shared knowledge, and strategic action.
Who we are
We are a coalition of alpha-gal syndrome-focused nonprofits working collaboratively to advance coordinated strategies to meet the urgent, unmet needs of our community.
The Alpha-gal Foundation is a women-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to engaging communities, educating the public and healthcare providers, and empowering individuals affected by alpha-gal syndrome to live with confidence and joy.
The Alpha-gal Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that systematically addresses the unmet needs of the alpha-gal syndrome community through direct action, institutional capacity building, and coordinated inter-institutional and cross-sector initiatives.
Leadership
Debbie Nichols & Candice Matthis
Co-founders
Candice and Debbie's bios
Recognizing the growing need for education and advocacy, they launched the Alpha-Gal Foundation in 2024 to foster community, empower patients, and increase awareness of AGS.
Their work has been featured in NBC News, The Today Show, NPR, The Atlantic, and numerous national and international outlets. Candice and Debbie live with their families in Virginia, where they continue to enjoy the outdoors, staying mindful of tick bite prevention.
Sharon Forsyth
Co-founder
Sharon's bio
Sharon is the Executive Director of the Alpha-gal Alliance and the Alpha-gal Alliance Action Fund, and the creator of the Alpha-gal Information website, the most comprehensive resource on alpha-gal syndrome.
She served as Director of Conservation International’s Africa Program, President of the Beneficia Foundation, and on the boards of the American Bird Conservancy and Bat Conservation International. Prior to her conservation work, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana, where she taught agriculture. She holds a BA in biology and economics.
Sharon contracted AGS while pursuing her lifelong interest in natural history. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband, biologist Adrian Forsyth, who also has AGS.