We’re proud to announce that PDSA President and CEO Caroline Kruse was honored with a TORCH Award for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the rare disease community. Presented at Sanofi’s headquarters in Boston, this award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to make a meaningful impact—and Caroline’s tireless advocacy for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and other platelet disorders continues to inspire and elevate patient voices and the lived experience.

Caroline accepted the award alongside fellow changemakers, PDSA staff Brenda Foster and Jody Shy, Medical Advisor James Bussel, MD, and her husband Ken, also an ITP patient, in a moment that highlighted the power of community and collaboration. Her presence at the ceremony was not just symbolic—it was deeply personal. As someone who has walked the path of ITP herself, Caroline brings a unique perspective to her leadership: one rooted in empathy, resilience, and a profound understanding of what it means to live with a rare disease.

Her journey with ITP has shaped every facet of her work at PDSA, from championing patient-centered research to building bridges between clinicians, researchers, and the patient community. Caroline’s leadership is defined not only by strategic vision, but by a heartfelt commitment to ensuring that no patient feels alone, unheard, or unseen.

You can watch Caroline’s brief interview below, where she shares her personal ITP experience and reflects on how it has informed her approach to advocacy, leadership, and building a more inclusive future for all those affected by platelet disorders.

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To learn more about the TORCH Awards and this year’s honorees, please enjoy the short video below. It highlights the purpose of the awards and celebrates individuals making a difference in the rare disease communities.