Will McDow

Will McDow brings 15 years of nonprofit expertise to the founding of the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance. He has spent the past 10 years at Environmental Defense Fund developing policy and market solutions to solve national environmental issues. Will grew up in South Carolina, attended college in Wisconsin and now lives in Durham, NC with wife Leslie and daughter Laura Mishler. Will is an avid runner and occasional backpacker.

Why are you involved with AE Alliance?

Autoimmune encephalitis can be a devastating and isolating disease for patients, families and even the doctors. When my daughter Florence died from AE in 2012, my wife and I helped start the AE Alliance to provide hope for everyone dealing with this disease. I am so proud of the progress the Alliance has made to raise awareness, speed diagnosis and improve treatment. I am excited to be part of this growing organization that is bending the curve of this disease towards recovery, wellness and hope.