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Posted by: The Sumaira Foundation in News & Announcements
October 8, 2026 — The Sumaira Foundation (TSF) is pleased to welcome Marissa Lopez to our leadership team as North American Liaison, overseeing TSF’s Ambassador Program across Canada, the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
TSF is proud to represent 150+ Ambassadors across more than 45 countries and 6 continents, and we are excited to have Marissa take on this important leadership role.
Marissa’s journey with NMOSD began in September 2024. Before her diagnosis, her life was full of movement and adventure—playing pickle ball, tennis, and golf, skiing in the winter, walking her dogs, and traveling with her three daughters. With her youngest daughter having recently graduated from university, Marissa was looking forward to her next chapter in life.
Then, one morning, everything changed.
Her body, which she had always trusted, suddenly felt unfamiliar. She fell out of bed and experienced numbness on the right side of her face, arm and leg. She couldn’t walk and had no balance.
After four days in the hospital and numerous tests, a stroke was ruled out, but doctors initially thought she might have MS. Weeks later, following a lumbar puncture, Marissa finally had an answer: AQP4-positive NMOSD. The days that followed were dark and frightening. Marissa faced depression, anxiety, and countless questions about what her future would look like.
Through the Foundation’s support group meetings and TSF’s Toronto Patient Day in November 2025, Marissa connected with others who understood the fear, uncertainty, and resilience that come with living with this rare disease.
In January 2026, Marissa joined TSF as the Ambassador for Ontario, Canada. She has since used her platform to raise awareness, support those who are newly diagnosed, and help connect patients and caregivers with resources and community.
Marissa also recently stepped into the role of TSF’s Lead Ambassador for Canada. Her collaboration with Amgen, Ontario Rare, and CORD (Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders) reflects her passion for helping bridge gaps in diagnosis, treatment access, and support for patients and caregivers across Canada.
Now, as TSF’s North American Liaison, Marissa is excited to work alongside Ambassadors throughout North America, share ideas, strengthen connections, and help advance patient support and wellness.
Please join us in welcoming Marissa to TSF’s leadership team! We are grateful for her passion, advocacy, and commitment to the NMOSD community.
