Our primary focus is hypothyroidism, because no matter what the initial diagnosis, almost all thyroid diseases result in lifelong hypothyroidism. It's the most common thyroid condition and yet unlike thyroid cancer and Graves disease, hypothyroid patients have never had a dedicated advocacy group -- until now.

We are working toward the goal of a world where all legitimate thyroid tests and treatment options are better understood, better known, widely accepted, affordable, and available...a world where there is greater understanding among doctors, insurers, pharmacies, medical societies, and patients of the full range of tests and treatments. In addition, we want to see that clinical signs and symptoms, virtually ignored now by some within the medical community, once again receive the careful consideration they warrant.

Our position is that every thyroid patient deserves prompt and accurate diagnosis, followed by safe and effective treatment for their individual needs. As millions of thyroid patients have discovered, the road to feeling well again can be a long and winding one. Contrary to conventional wisdom, diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism is not always a simple matter as widely portrayed. The all-too-common one-size-fits-all approach -- that there is only one test and one medication to consider -- has allowed far too many patients to suffer needlessly for too long.

Different countries face different challenges when it comes to thyroid care, so we hope that any gains made in the U.S. will also benefit patients throughout the world.

We should all be able to expect results and not feel pressured to settle for feeling less than well. Here's to finding better thyroid care!

Geri Rybacki
Executive Director & Co-founder

Mary Shomon
Co-founder and Advisor to the Coalition