About Us

Our Story

Founded in 2017, the Intestinal Malrotation Foundation was established to provide a formal entity to build community, raise awareness, promote advocacy and education for Intestinal Malrotation (IM).

The Intestinal Malrotation Foundation Focuses on 4 Pillars of Hope

Awareness

amongst the general public, stakeholders in the IM community and medical/academic landscapes

Advocacy

for the collective patient voice and individual patient journey

Education

to share evidence-based information with the general public, medical providers and key community stakeholders

Research Support

to support evidence-based information necessary to improve patient outcomes

Team

MEAGAN SHORT, M.Ed. CCC-SLP

  • Camden’s Mom
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Meagan became a leader in both the intestinal malrotation and short bowel syndrome communities after navigating her son Camden’s complications from intestinal malrotation and volvulus. Camden’s presenting symptoms for volvulus were missed by several medical providers, resulting in the removal of nearly 90% of his small bowel. Meagan has worked in advocacy roles for the rare disease and nutrition support communities, including parenteral nutrition (PN) and Tube Feeding, and offers a personal 1-to-1 approach to help educate families navigating complex medical and gastrointestinal complications. Meagan is a MedGift ambassador, Stanford Walk with Me Volunteer, Boston Children’s Hospital’s Virtual Advisory Board Member and is a clinically certified speech-language pathologist. Meagan has been invited to attend and speak at OLEY, ASHA, the Intestinal Failure Symposium, HopeKids, Optum Infusion (Previously ThriveRx), Nutrishare, and numerous Rare Disease Day events. She harbors a passion for patient story-telling and advocates for transparency and authenticity in the non-profit segment.

Mark Puder, MD, PhD

  • Associate, Department of Surgery
  • Professor of Surgery Harvard Medical School

Kathleen Gura, PharmD, BCNSP, FASHP, FPPAG

  • Pharmacy Clinical Research Program Manage
  • Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Gerald J. Butters, PhD

  • Co-Founder, Double Black Diamond Partners
  • International Engineering Consortium Fellow

Natalie Meyers

  •  Adult Malrotation Patient
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At 28 years old, Natalie Meyers underwent intestinal malrotation surgery on July 7th, 2023. This life changing procedure put an end to years of suffering from abdominal pain, impaction, and other medical issues. However, Natalie would never have had the opportunity to undertake this procedure without the information provided by IMF. As a result, Natalie has resolved to help others, children and adults alike, by spreading awareness about mal rotation. Natalie aspires to channel her efforts through IMF as an advocate and board member and in turn support the foundation for the benefit of the medical field and all impacted by intentional mal rotation.

Gayle Brumley, MSW- Bereavement

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Gayle is an MSW, Certified Child Life Specialist and holds a Certificate of Thanatology from the Association for Death Education and Counseling. She has over 10 years of professional experience in the non-profit camp sector with children and young adults with developmental disabilities and serious illnesses. Gayle also volunteered with a grief camp in Ireland for four years. When she’s not working, you can find her reading outside in sunny San Diego or cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs

Rick Puder, MBA

  • Advisor
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For more than 30 years, Rick Puder has been dedicated to helping organizations design and implement development strategies that are customized to meet the unique needs of the organizations, their customers and employees. Through collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders, and leveraging voice of customer research, he has led the development of successful customer-focused initiatives.

Rick has a strong passion for using his skills and experiences to assist others. He is a survivor (thriver) of congenital heart disease and volunteers in various ways to provide support to patients and their families. Rick actively participates in strategic planning and conducts voice of constituent research to help guide programming and services. He also actively trains volunteers and frequently presents to groups of families, patients, and medical professionals, sharing his knowledge and experiences.

Rick’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business Administration, with concentrations in marketing and economics.

SUPPORT OUR CAUSE

The Intestinal Malrotation Foundation operates exclusively on fundraising efforts and donations. Please share your support for our cause by donating.
All donations are made over a secure network.