John Huber was the Executive Director of AAMDS International Foundation from 2006 - 2016. During his tenure, John led a series of strategic plans to more effectively support bone marrow failure bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… patients and also drive research to find a cure. Through John’s leadership, the Foundation forged the innovative MDS Clinical Research Clinical Research: A type of research that involves individual persons or a group of people. There are three types of clinical research. Patient-oriented research includes clinical trials which test how a drug, medical device, or treatment approach works in people. Epidemiology or behavioral studies look at the… Consortium, an innovative collaboration among exceptional clinical researchers at six of the nation’s leading academic medical institutions and a game-changing project which aligned with the strategic goals and direction of AAMDSIF. John also led the creation of the MDS Alliance, a strategic partnership among global MDS patient advocacy organizations and a new focus on educating health care professionals with Scientific Symposiums. Throughout John’s service to bone marrow failure patients, AAMDSIF transformed from a rurally based to a centrally located, deeper partner with NIH and the hematology/oncology professionals. The Foundation is deeply indebted to John for his leadership and service to the Foundation.