Fiona Wardman, HAEi’s Executive Vice President Global Advocacy and Chief Diversity Officer, took to the stage to introduce the incredible Regional Patient Advocates (RPAs) that support Member Organizations (MO).

Through a light-hearted Q&A, the audience discovered that (left to right):

Henrik Balle Boysen, with responsibility for South East Asia: Became a ski guide without ever skied; when you’re desperate enough for a job, you’ll find a way.

Jørn Schultz-Boysen, on home turf today, representing the Nordics: Admitted to being a San Franciso 49ers fan.

Michal Rutkowski, looking after Central Eastern Europe and the Middle East: Has indeed grown from small beginnings as a very premature baby, weighing just 1.88kg.

Patricia Karani, taking care of Sub Sahara Africa: Revealed her love of cooking and its ability to help her to relax.

Natasa Angjeleska, working with South Eastern Europe countries: Showed her competitive instinct by coming third in a recent paddleboard event.

Yong Hao Lim, supporting the East Asia region: Showed his dancing feet with an impromptu Argentine tango.

Fanny Schappler, covering Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Israel and South Asia: Drinks Ovalmaltine, a unique malted drink beloved of Swiss people, every day for breakfast; ‘It’s an addiction,’ she said.

Maria Ferron, Mediterranean, North Africa, Benelux, and British Isles: Would love to meet the naturalist David Attenborough.

Fernanda De Oliveira Martins, looking after South America and Mexico: Was an elementary school teacher, she taught Brazilian children about science.

Javier Santana, RPA for Central America and Carribean: Had a childhood of guitar playing and singing but refused to demonstrate his singing prowess on stage.

Tony Castaldo, representing North America and South East Asia: Recalled a past life as a trainee Catholic priest, performing the Latin mass, including solos.

Last but not least, Fiona introduced her role as RPA for Oceania and South Africa: And demonstrated her astonishing ability to imitate the national bird of Australia, the kookaburra.

Fiona concluded the session by describing the RPAs as ‘unbelievable advocates’ working for you, the MOs, every day.