Watch as Susanne Öhrn of WM Scandinavia accepts her IWMF 2026 Judith May Volunteer of the Year Impact Award, embodying the very best of volunteerism—grace, generosity, and heart. "I'm not a doctor, I'm not a researcher. I'm just a patient among others. And maybe that is exactly why this community exists. Because sometimes, what we need most is someone who truly understands, who can say 'I've been there. You are not alone.'
Today we are 675 members. And the award belongs to them, and to all of us in the international community. Being a volunteer is not about having all the answers. It's about being a human, about saying, 'I might not be able to fix this, but I'm here with you.'
No one can do everything. But together, we can make sure that no one has to face this disease alone. And together, we turn this rare disease into something shared."
Through nearly a decade of dedication, Susanne's leadership has transformed WM Scandinavia—growing the community to 675 members and creating meaningful connection across borders through virtual gatherings, in-person fika support, and tireless advocacy for multilingual access. Her translation work and global engagement have strengthened the entire WM community.
We are so honored to celebrate her extraordinary impact over the past 10 years!