MMIVAAF BOARD

MARTIN MUELLER IV

Board President

For over twenty years, Martin Mueller IV has dedicated himself to supporting people with Achalasia. He provided an online presence which offered a forum for discussion for patients to share and compare their experiences. Discussions included procedures people were undergoing and whether or not the results were successful in helping people to manage and cope with this disease. Over the years, people in similar circumstances who felt isolated and who recognized a lack of information and support, asked Martin to formally head a foundation. This organization would serve to help and support him in his work and further the mission of achalasia awareness, support for patients, caregivers, spouses, families, and the medical community, while promoting research at the same time. In 2010, the foundation was started by Martin and the name - The Martin Mueller IV Achalasia Awareness Foundation - was chosen by board members, thought to be the most fitting, to continue the work that Martin started many years before.

APRIL EVANS

Board Secretary

April struggled with swallowing issues since 2006.  After 10 years of doctors appointments and consistently being misdiagnosed she finally convinced her PCP to do a Barium Swallow.  That was in January 2016.  He was only doing the test to prove there was nothing wrong.  The results of that swallow paved the way to the proper diagnosis of Achalasia.  She finally had a name for it, and in that moment she I knew what her new goal in life was.  She is determined and dedicated to bringing awareness to this disease and in the process she wants to bring hope to others that one day there will be a cure. She can either be a victim of her disease or a voice for it - She is choosing the second option!!

MARTIN MUELLER III

Board Treasurer

Martin has watched his son suffer from the disease for years.  He donates his time to ensure the finances are in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service, and rules of the state of Georgia.

THE VERNONS

Honorary Board Members

Robert and Christine Vernon helped to establish groundwork for the foundation.  Robert is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and will assist with financial and board matters. Christine watched her son struggle with achalasia, and was the catalyst for her to raise awareness after Steve was incorrectly diagnosed.